Thirteen-year-old Irene Danner has been on the high wire for her family’s circus for years. But as the Nazis and Hitler gain power in Germany, her father has to close the Lorch Family Circus. Irene, her mother, and her Oma (grandmother) move to Darmstadt, but her non-Jewish father is forced to fight for Hitler. Now she must work for another circus, while hiding the fact that she is Jewish.
Parent Guide
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.
Parent Guide
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Hidden on the High Wire by Joseph