Challenging Stories Book Club
January 2025
By Chance Alone by Kathy Kacer​
Featuring a live Q&A with award-winning author Kathy Kacer and educator Cindy Kozierok.
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In 2016, Ontario Holocaust survivor, Max Eisen wrote his memoir, By Chance Alone, documenting the true story of his life before and during the Second World War, and his survival in Auschwitz. The book was a finalist for the 2017 RBC Taylor Prize and a winner of Canada Reads in 2019. That book has now been adapted for young readers by award-winning author, Kathy Kacer. This is a story of courage and survival in the face of incredible loss and suffering. In adapting Max's memoir, Kathy is not only keeping Max's story alive but opening it up to new generations of readers.
Kathy Kacer has won many awards for her writing, including the Silver Birch, the Red Maple, the Hackmatack, and the Jewish Book Award. In 1999 she wrote her first book in Second Story Press' Holocaust Remembrance Series for Young Readers, The Secret of Gabi's Dresser. Since then she has penned over 30 other books for young readers, including The Underground Reporters, Clara's War, The Night Spies, Hiding Edith, The Diary of Laura's Twin, To Look a Nazi in the Eye, The Brushmaker's Daughter, Under the Iron Bridge, and Hidden on the High Wire. She is the editor of We Are Their Voice: Young People Respond to the Holocaust. She also wrote two children's picture books: The Magician of Auschwitz, illustrated by Gillian Newland, and The Brave Princess and Me, illustrated by Juliana Kolesova. A former psychologist, Kathy now travels the world speaking about her books and the need to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive. She also addresses adults about how to teach sensitive material to young children. Kathy Kacer lives in Toronto and is available for school and library readings, workshops, and presentations.