Hidden on the High Wire
“Don’t look down!” is the first lesson Irene learns on the high wire.
After the Nazis come to power she learns the second: “The circus is a family…”
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What the Book is About
Jewish Content & Values
Content Advisory
It's 1939, and 13-year-old Irene Danner is a high-wire walker in the Lorch Family Circus. When the Nazis pass a law forbidding Jews to work, Irene's father, who is not Jewish, is forced to shut down the circus. Soon after that he is conscripted into Hitler's army. He goes reluctantly in the hope that his army service will protect his family. The owner of a circus knows Irene’s father and agrees to shelter Irene and her mother. When the Nazis come and search the camp, Irene and her mother hide and are protected by circus staff. Not long afterwards, Althoff reveals their identity to circus staff and fires the only performer who complains.
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Oma and Opa celebrated Shabbat. Irene lit candles every Friday night even after Opa died.
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An author’s note at the end explains that the book is based on a true story. Althoff saved many Jews during the war and was named a Righteous Gentile by the State of Israel.
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There are many examples of core Jewish values such as kindness, welcoming the stranger, and supporting the oppressed.
There is nothing inappropriate or graphic in this book, but there is a fair amount of antisemitism. Oma is arrested and taken to Auschwitz, and it’s noted that there were no survivors of that deportation.
What the Book is About
It's 1939, and 13-year-old Irene Danner is a high-wire walker in the Lorch Family Circus. When the Nazis pass a law forbidding Jews to work, Irene's father, who is not Jewish, is forced to shut down the circus. Soon after that he is conscripted into Hitler's army. He goes reluctantly in the hope that his army service will protect his family. The owner of a circus knows Irene’s father and agrees to shelter Irene and her mother. When the Nazis come and search the camp, Irene and her mother hide and are protected by circus staff. Not long afterwards, Althoff reveals their identity to circus staff and fires the only performer who complains.
Jewish Content & Values
-
Oma and Opa celebrated Shabbat. Irene lit candles every Friday night even after Opa died.
-
An author’s note at the end explains that the book is based on a true story. Althoff saved many Jews during the war and was named a Righteous Gentile by the State of Israel.
-
There are many examples of core Jewish values such as kindness, welcoming the stranger, and supporting the oppressed.
Content Advisory
There is nothing inappropriate or graphic in this book, but there is a fair amount of antisemitism. Oma is arrested and taken to Auschwitz, and it’s noted that there were no survivors of that deportation.
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