Based on a true story from the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, Two Pieces of Chocolate by Kathy Kacer and Gabrielle Grimard is a story that keeps the realities of the Holocaust alive to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

Francine and her Maman have just been transferred to Bergen-Belsen camp. Conditions are horrific and hard. Maman has a secret, she has two pieces of chocolate hidden at the bottom of her bag for when Francine most needs it. They meet a woman named Hélène who is pregnant and slowly losing the will to live. Francine offers the chocolate to Hélène and her daughter Yvonne is born healthy despite the conditions. They survive the atrocities of the camp and years later, at a conference, adult Yvonne repays Francine with a gift of two pieces of chocolate.

Kathy Kacer is known for her stories set during the Second World War and does what she can to ensure that the stories of the Holocaust are not forgotten, something that is incredibly important these days. In all of the political unrest and extremism worldwise, these stories remind us of what can happen when one person gains too much power, when we give into fear instead of leading with love and compassion. 

Two Pieces of Chocolate is a beautiful, ugly story. Kathy Kacer ensures that the harsh realities of the camps are at the forefront of the narrative. It’s okay for children to learn about these things. It’s important that we share sad stories and joyful stories with readers. I love how Kathy Kacer is not only focusing on the Jewish people themselves, the survivors, but also the rescuers, those that came to the aid of Jewish people during this time. The rescuers who did not succumb to fear but led with kindness. These are stories that will hopefully inspire the next generation.

Gabrielle Grimard’s illustrations are haunting. She captures the feel of the camps so vividly, it’s almost like looking at a photograph from the time. Through the colour palette of greys and browns, readers are transported back in time. Through the faces of the people in the camps, readers understand the sadness but also the joy in this incredilbe story of survival.