The Key from Spain by Debbie Levy illustrated by Sonja Wimmer

"Long ago, in a place called Al-Andalus in the land of Spain, there was a time of dazzling music and science, art and poetry, map-making and mathematics, and harmony among neigbors - Muslims, Jews and Christians."

In 1492 Jews were expelled from Spain. The Altarases moved to Turkey and then to Bosnia. They took two precious things with them - a key and their language - Ladino - a blend of many languages from Spanish, Hebrew and Arabic. Living in a small mountain village in Bosnia, the Altaras family grew. Flory's family loved to sing especially Sephardic (songs in Ladino) and Bosnian melodies. Eventually her family moved to Zagreb and her father bought Flory a harmoniku (Piano accordion). When the war came the family moved to Split where they lived as refugees.  After the war Flory married and moved to America. Perhaps you are wondering about the key - you need to read this book to discover that part of the story. 

This is the story of Flory Jagoda (nee Altaras) and her music. Flora was born in Bosnia in 1923. As a young woman, after World War II, Flory went to work in Italy. She married a US Solider and moved to America. Just before she moved, Flory received the news that forty-two members of her family had been killed in the holocaust. Every part of this story was new to me - that is the wonderful thing about Picture Book biographies - you always meet such interesting people who are perhaps not famous. 

The writing is poetic and lyrical, effortlessly weaving centuries of history into the story while maintaining a strikingly intimate tone. Wimmer’s illustrations are nuanced, and readers will enjoy discovering new details upon each rereading of the book. School Library Journal

Fortunately for me, Flory has a fascinating story, and one that I think readers can relate to — in her love of her family, friends, music, and fun. And in dealing with challenge and loss. Debbie Levy talking with Jules at Seven Impossible Things before Breakfast.

You can hear Flory and her Eight Little Candles song - Ocho Kandelikas - a Ladino Hanukkah song here. 

Here is the website for Debbie Levy. I sought out this book because I loved a previous book illustrated by Sonja Wimmer - The day Saida Arrived.