Not really interested in reading this and it is quite old at this time. I want to try and be more selective of the arc's I request because selecting everything that sounds somewhat interesting.

Walters and Kacer blend the experiences of New Yorkers 6 months after terrorists bomb their city with events surrounding the horrors of a family during the Holocaust and tie those into a middle school performance of Fiddler on the Roof. Readers’ lives will be changed as each character in this book begins to heal from brokenness both big and small and, hopefully, understanding and acceptance of racial, cultural, and religious differences will grow. “Broken Strings” is powerful and should be on the shelves of all libraries serving students in grades 5-9. The authors keep the book free of sex and profanity and while some may be disturbed by the atrocities inflicted on those imprisoned at Auschwitz, the knowledge gained is necessary. Keep many tissues handy for this one.

This is an outstanding book for middle-grade readers. The holocaust themes are difficult but handled with a deft hand. This is a book that has something for every student ... history, tension, drama, even a little romance.

I really wanted to like this one, but the themes of family trauma and the Shoah, along with a school play in a neatly packaged middle-grades novel didn't always work. Sometimes I felt like important points got squashed into the school-play storyline, and sometimes secrets came out too neatly and were resolved too conveniently to really have impact.

I really enjoyed this story. Broken Strings was a layered and thoughtful story about family, memories and how music connects us. Recommend for middle and high school.

There's a lot to like about this book. When Shirli doesn't get the part she wants in the play, she learns embrace and appreciate her new role. But that doesn't stop her wishing. While she's happy to play the mother she still longs to play the daughter. A new appreciation doesn't wipe away the old desire.
The book takes us somewhat back in time here, to a world just post 9/11. A world with a much smaller cell phone presence and where kids don't yet feel constantly unsafe. Where we weren't yet at war but islamaphobia was beginning to rear it's ugly head. And we view all these elements through the lens of the Holocaust. The parallels aren't explicitly drawn but a savvy reader will make that connection.
While some plot points are a bit too random, overall it's a joy to read and leaves the reader with elements to reflect upon. It might be well suited to a book club discussion.

I recently watched a television program out of the UK that focuses on restoring items. In this particular episode, the item being repaired was a violin with a history of unimaginable pain and joy. It was a moving story that has stayed with me for days.

I experienced the same feelings while reading Broken Strings. The violin in this story has a similar past, and I could not help but ponder the complexities music conveys at all levels.

Though Broken Strings deals with heavy material, I think more mature middle-graders would be fine reading it, particularly if reading/discussing with a parent, teacher, etc.

This story takes place a few months after 9/11, so it is appropriate that it was released the day before September 11, 2019.

There was a lot of past trauma explored in this story. Shirli’s grandfather survived the Holocaust, but he never spoke about his experience at Auschwitz. Shirli is now living in a world where everyone is suspicious of people with brown skin, because they may be Muslim. Though the Holocaust and 9/11 were different events, they both left people discriminated against because of their religion.

This story made me tear up a few times. Shirli’s grandfather’s experience at Aushwitz was difficult to read, but it is an important part of history that everyone should know. This was a very powerful story!

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My daughter read this book for part of her ELA reading requirement. It was a very quick read for her, a 7th grader. She did enjoy the story and felt that the history behind it was great. She is very much a historical fiction reader and enjoyed this book.

Broken Strings is a layered, thoughtful, and ultimately uplifting book about the power of family, memory, and music

Shirli attended a large junior high school that specialized in music in the state of New Jersey. Shirli’s school was auditioning for parts in the play “Fiddler On The Roof”, and she got the part of Golde, the mother of the daughters and thewife of Tevye, the father. Shirli was experienced in both dance and singing, so she felt confident about her skills, and she was going to be the wife of Tevye played by Ben Morgan, the cutest boy at her wchool!
Shirli goes to her Grandfather Zayde’s house to search for clothes or props for the play, and she comes across an old photo of her grandfather, great grandmother and grandfathet and great uncles and also an old violin in a case. When she shows them to her grandfather, he becomes very angry and sends her home.
Why did her grandfather get angry about an old poster and a violin - you will have to find out by reading the book!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, Kathy Kacer, and Eric Walters for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of Broken Strings. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

Shirli is starring in her middle school play. This year the production is Fiddler on the Roof. Shirli has a close relationship with her Zaide and visits him every week. She suspected that he might have some things in his attic that would be helpful for the play. Maybe some old dresses, shawls, or aprons. Her Zaide said she could use whatever she thought would be helpful. But when she was digging around up there she made an amazing discovery. She found a violin. She couldn’t believe that it was her grandfather’s. He never listened to music or attended any of her performances. Shirli knew that he had some bad memories from the war and he never liked to talk about it. She also discovered a poster with a picture of a family and if she wasn’t mistaken it was her grandfather when he was a child! Having discovered a long-hidden family secret is not easy. But through love and understanding, family can help heal a tragic past.

This story is for both children and young adults. I would be very comfortable with a child of 10 or 11 reading this. It does contain stories of the Holocaust, but nothing so graphic that it would be inappropriate. If you have a sensitive child, you might want to read this first just to be sure they wouldn’t be bothered by any of the stories. These are two heavyweight authors. Kathy Kacer has a lot of experience writing Holocaust stories for children and writes sensitive, thoughtful storylines. Eric Walters is a prolific children’s writer who writes incredible adventure stories and also has dealt with the Holocaust subject matter in his novels.

I loved this story. There are so many elements that make it heartfelt and meaningful, without becoming cheesy or forceful in its message. The relationship between Shirli and her grandfather is beautiful. You can see why her Zaide opens up to her about the war. There is a sweet romantic storyline between Shirli and Ben, who is her co-lead in the play. They lightly touch upon 9-11 and the aftermath effects of a community trying to heal. This story has a rich text and as a teacher, I would have a lot of material to use. There are themes of racism, antisemitism, and war along with intergenerational relationships, family and school. My mind is racing with ideas of how to use it in a classroom setting.

At the heart of this beautiful story is one that most children will enjoy reading. For children who don’t know about the Holocaust, it is a wonderful introduction. Shirli is a sweet, kind, likable character, the grandfather is funny and all the supporting characters add something to the story. Every character goes through some kind of growth and yet, it all blends so nicely that the story never gets convoluted or off track. This was an outstanding read for me and timeless, something that I think can be read for years and years to different generations.

This will most definitely be one of my favorite books for 2019. I adored this story and these characters from start to finish. I wish I could give this more than five stars. There are so many things to love about this - the characters, the heart, the musical pieces and the historical pieces.

Shirli's family is fascinating, from her grandfather's history in the Holocaust to her dad's longing to know more about his family of origin. Shirli's grandfather has held in all of his stories and his grief in an attempt to run from his past. Shirli's role in Fiddler on the Roof launches the whole family on a healing journey that is just delightful to watch.

Not only did I love the characters and the growth that takes place across the story, but I learned new things about the Holocaust as well. There's a lovely thread of the story that happens when Shirli's grandfather makes a new Hindu friend and also when he interacts with a Muslim student at Shirli's school. These are vital interactions considering the setting of the story, five months after the attacks on September 11th.

I cannot recommend this one highly enough. This would be outstanding for a classroom read aloud or for student book groups. I was so happy to see this listed as a book for readers from 10 to 14 years old, that "older middle grade" crowd that can get lost in the transition from middle grade to YA. This is absolute perfection! [My one complaint was how often the review copy referred to the oldest students in the junior high as "seniors." The book clearly states at the start that Shirli is an 8th grader in a junior high, but then the older students - technically freshmen - are called seniors throughout the rest of the story. I hope that will have been corrected by the time the book publishes in September.]

It's 2002. In the aftermath of the twin towers -- and the death of her beloved grandmother -- Shirli Berman is intent on moving forward. The best singer in her junior high, she auditions for the lead role in Fiddler on the Roof, but is crushed to learn that she's been given the part of the old Jewish mother in the musical rather than the coveted part of the sister. But there is an upside: her "husband" is none other than Ben Morgan, the cutest and most popular boy in the school.
Deciding to throw herself into the role, she rummages in her grandfather's attic for some props. There, she discovers an old violin in the corner -- strange, since her Zayde has never seemed to like music, never even going to any of her recitals. Showing it to her grandfather unleashes an anger in him she has never seen before, and while she is frightened of what it might mean, Shirli keeps trying to connect with her Zayde and discover the awful reason behind his anger. A long-kept family secret spills out, and Shirli learns the true power of music, both terrible and wonderful.

This was a very powerful and moving story that brought two horrendous events in the 20th and 21st century, and finding hope out of it. Taking broken people and bringing back the joy that seems to have been sucked out from their soul, set around the events after 9/11 where people where lost, angry and scared about these turn events. Shirli a middle schooler who is trying to find her way in this new world, finds excitment in the upcoming school play. Fiddler on the Roof, but in this play she finds something more then just a school play. Secrets that has huanted her grandfather who lived in the Holocaust, and has never spoken the horrors that nearly broke him. I starting to come to light, and through a new passion for the arts and music that brings healing to all. A really great read and it has really moved me I recommend every pick it up and read it. I received a free copy of this book from netgally and all my opinions are my own.

This was... super sweet! Shirli is just so adorable and I her love for music is relatable and sweet. I loved how she connected to her religion- that was a really nice aspect of this book!

A delightful short read at only 288 pages, the book focuses on discussing the Holocaust with teenagers. Shirli is a 7th grader who loves theater and her family. She shows a wisdom beyond her years, and a secret keeping ability that would be hard to find among adults three times her age. Her Bubbe (grandmother) has recently passed away, so during a visit to her Zayde (grandfather) - she finds items in his attic that shock her. The beginning dragged a bit, but from here on out - this is where it got interesting. While I guessed at the secret pretty early on, I still enjoyed the ride. The writing is well done, and the way the Holocaust is discussed is perfect for that 11-13 year old age range.

So I do have a few issues with the book. There is little character development beyond Shirli and her Zayde, the others exist as secondary characters who serve to only push the story along. Shirli is a perfect teenager, never fights with her parents and never complains. Shirli and the other characters exist in a bubble without concerns for social ramifications which is not a typical middle schooler.

Would I recommend this book? Definitely! I am reading this as an adult, and I'm not sure a pre-teen or young teenager would have the same issues with the book that I do.

This is a middle school novel that touches on the Holocaust in a simple but poignant way.
Authors, Eric Walters and Kathy Kacer tell the story of a young girl and her grandfather's relationship to present what can be a hard topic to address for young readers.

Seventh grader Shirli Berman is cast as Golde for the school musical, Fiddler on the Roof. One of her school responsibilities is to go over to her grandfather's house to bring him groceries and check up on him. Her Bubbe has recently died and everyone in the family misses her. Shirli especially because she always listened to her sing and came to all her performances. Until now no one in the family knew why Zayde forbid music in the house and did not seem interested in Shirli's performances. He has never spoken about his experiences during the war years, event to Shirli's father, Zayde's own son.

Looking for costumes, for her play in Zayde's attic, Shirli comes across a poster and an old violin which open up something long closed off in Zayde. Though he has never spoken about his past, now that the door has opened he is ready to share all the hard memories he has kept bottled up for decades.

I even shed a tear or two as I read this novel. Bringing a grandfather and his granddaughter closer, and bringing an old man out of his shell and keeping him feeling vital even in later age, is what this book explores. There are a few times when the authors seem to stretch the edge of reality, but the story and the message is well presented so you can let go of the questions. I can picture this Zayde as my grandfather, but I am not sure someone 14 years old would currently have a grandfather of this description. Also this book is set right after the World Trade Towers were attacked, which relates the those emotions to the Holocaust, though I am not sure if these are equivalent, but the the storyline is so engaging.

Told from a first person genre I fell in love with this story.
I love this story because of all the events that were connected in this book. And the violin that was featured in this book. You see, I came from a long line of string players too! And now my son is playing the violin in his school orchestra. I'm hoping that he will continue playing after he graduates.
I felt the author was telling my story of how the violin was found. You see, my mother played the viola and one day I was in the basement looking around. I spied an old worn case that looked in terrible condition. Well you know me and my curiosity as a kid. I went and opened it and there layed this beautiful instrument. I started plucking it and my mom yelled at me to leave it alone. I knew then I had to learn to play it and it has carried me through my own life.
Later I found out that my mom had played in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Now I too play in the Lexington Community Orchestra. I love it so much!!
I cried like a baby when Zayde told his story. I'm so glad that he did what he did!! I loved watching him open up and be the man that he should have been with a granddaughter and God's help. All we need to is ask and not be so prideful!!
Friendships from a walks of life are formed in this beautiful story for we are all humans. O believe that the Lord has created us all equal in His eyes and mine too.
I've heard of Fiddler on the Roof but have never actually seen it. So this was treat for me seeing it through the eyes of children of all things! And they did a fabulous job too!
I want to buy this copy when it comes out because there's nothing like holding a book in your hands. Even if it is a young adult I still very much enjoyed it.
I strongly recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book and NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

I am not Jewish. Nor did I live through any of the horrific events that this novel describes, with the exception of 9/11. But I did grow up the child of an American serviceman in West Germany. My dad patrolled the border between East and West and because of that I had the privilege of receiving a remarkable education about the Holocaust and it's resulting consequences on a glorious and beautiful country. I also happen to have been raised in a musical family. My personal experiences make me enthusiastic about stories like this one.

It's been compared to Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic, which is a phenomenal novel. I've read it aloud to all of my older children, and I'm about due to read it again to a younger group. I'd say the comparison is fair to a point. One thing I will say is that this very lovely novel is a more benign introduction to the events of WWII. Although it discusses the traumatic experiences of one man, it does so from a more distant perspective and against the back drop of a more recent revival of similar attitudes based on ignorance and race. I would definitely recommend this book as a fantastic starting point in introducing today's youth to this part of history.

As a kind of aside...I also really appreciated the insight into Fiddler on the Roof. It will definitely change my viewing experience of that musical in the future.

I absolutely adored everything about the book Broken Strings by Eric Walters and Kathy Kacer. Attach anything to Fiddler on the Roof and I will be a fan. Fiddler is a musical that has the power to pull at your heart strings. Then, top that off with children performing it, that is "just beyond", IMO.

In this book, Fiddler on the Roof is the musical of choice at Shirli Berman's school, in the aftermath of 9/11. Shirli is both a talented actress, and a great singer, so when she gets the role of Golde, the mother in the play, and not Hodel, the daughter who has a singing solo, she is a bit disappointed. Her parents tell her that her great grandmother came from the shtetls of Russia, and Shirli would make her proud performing that role. Shirli regularly does the groceries for her beloved Zayde (grandfather), since his wife "Bubbie" (grandma), recently died. On a visit to her Zayde's with the groceries, Shirli decides to explore the attic to find props for the play. Lo and behold Shirli finds more then just props, she finds her Zayde's old violin with "broken strings", and an old poster of Zayde's family, each family member with their own instruments, Zayde's dad with a clarinet. The poster advertised that they were a travelling "Klezmer" band. At first Zayde is reluctant to discuss any of his past. But as the book progresses, Zayde slowly reveals a side of himself that the family has never seen, and in the hands of the children in Shirli's school, Zayde learns to let the music back into his life.

I loved this book, although written for middle school children, anyone could enjoy it. It ties the Holocaust with 9/11, and with issues of adolesence (middle school crush and peer pressure). If you have a middle school child who wants to read more about the holocaust, or, if you love Fiddler, I highly recommend #BrokenStrings. I was actually surprised to discover that Eric Walters is a #canadianauthor from Toronto, and he has written so many books on so many different topics. Based on this one, I would suggest checking his books out if you have a middle school aged child. Kathy Kacer is an experienced author of books on the Holocaust. Thank you #netgalley for the digital copy, I loved it, ( oops I said that 3 times already... ), especially ... Zayde's special performance! #sunrisesunset