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A select group of speakers, authors, entertainers, and experts
available for speaking and performances around the world

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Kathy Kacer

Kathy Kacer

A child of Holocaust survivors, Kathy has written stories of hope, courage and humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity. Her books for young readers are sold around the world

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About

Kathy writes about the Holocaust in a way this is sensitive to young readers. A winner of the Jewish Book Award in Canada and the U.S., and the Yad Vashem Award for Children's Holocaust Literature in Israel, Kathy writes unforgettable stories inspired by real events. Her books have been translated into 20 languages. She also lectures on the topic of teaching sensitive material to young readers.


Programs

1
Telling the Stories to Combat Anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitism is on the rise, and Holocaust denial is rampant. Now, more than ever, we need stories for young readers that will provide an accurate account of this history and ensure it is not forgotten or distorted. Interspersed with a discussion of several of her books, Kathy will talk about the collective responsibility we have to ensure that this history remains alive for future generations.
2
To Look a Nazi in the Eye: The trial of Oskar Groening
In 2015, Nazi guard, Oskar Groening was tried and convicted of being complicit in the murder of 300,000 Jews in Auschwitz.To Look a Nazi in the Eye tells the true story of Jordana Lebowitz who, at the age of 19, traveled to Germany to be an observer at the Groening trial. This book recounts her complicated reasons for going and her reactions at witnessing this history making event.
3
Teaching Sensitive Material to Young People: The Holocaust and children's literature
“When you think, think higher; when you feel, feel deeper.” (Elie Wiesel) Topics like war must be made understandable and accessible if young people are to engage in history, learn from it, and want to study more. Using her own books as examples, Kathy will address the issue of how to explore the Holocaust and other sensitive topics with young people. A number of principles will be emphasized.
4
Restitution: A family's fight for their heritage lost in the Holocaust
The true story of four paintings and one family's enduring spirit. The Reesers make a daring escape from their home in the former Czechoslovakia to a new life in Canada. They are safe but all else is lost, including four valuable paintings. Their search to reclaim these pieces of lost legacy spans more than 50 years of war and political upheaval. Kathy tells their story in this remarkable book.
Genres
  • Antisemitism
  • Fiction / Novelists
  • Holocaust
  • Jewish History
  • Storytelling

Endorsements

"A child of Holocaust survivors, Kathy writes evocatively of the difficult questions related to rendering the Holocaust for young people. She speaks to child and adult audiences in Canada, US and abroad, honouring survivors' wish to have new generations know and understand that they once lived with their hopes and dreams, in a family, in a particular country, during a horrific time in history."

— Karen Krasny, Professor, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

"I have listened to Kathy speak in classrooms and in front of audiences young and older. Her presentations are informative and compassionate, and audiences are riveted to the way in which she is able to let a story unfold. This is a gift."

— George Brady, Holocaust survivor, Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

"A great writer, Kathy is telling young people about people who may be their neighbours, while teaching them a history that will help them to be more thoughtful, caring and considerate citizens. What a great legacy Kathy is giving our children!"

— Margie Wolfe, Publisher, Second Story Press, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Contact Kathy

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Books
To Look a Nazi in the Eye
To Look a Nazi in the Eye
A Teen's Account of a War C...
2017
Second Story Press
The Sound of Freedom
The Sound of Freedom
2018
Annick Press
Restitution
Restitution
A family's fight for their ...
2010
Second Story Press
Stones on a Grave (Secrets)
Stones on a Grave (Secrets)
2015
Orca Book Publishers
Articles
CM Magazine 15 September, 2017:
To Look a Nazi in the Eye
Videos
The Magician of Auschwitz
Booking Our Speakers

Weekday/Sunday programs are approximately one hour. Shabbat Scholar-in-Residence usually includes two talks, sometimes three.

Usually: The event price includes honorarium and all expenses, including international and domestic airfare and local expenses. We ask venues to provide home-hospitality for one night (for weekday/Sunday programs), or two nights (for Shabbat programs), or for multi-day programs, one night for each day of the event. If your venue is unable to provide home hospitality, an additional charge of $150 per night will be assessed to cover speaker expenses.

Need a special program for Shavuot, Holocaust Remembrence Day, or July 4th? We have suggestions.

Interested in booking Kathy Kacer to speak at your next event? Contact Jewish Speakers Bureau (infREMOVEo@jewREMOVEishspeakerREMOVEsbureau.com), America's only speakers bureau for Jewish-interest speakers, authors, entertainers, and experts.

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