WINNER OF THE MILDRED L. BATCHELDER AWARD!

In this award-winning memoir translated from Italian to English, a Jewish girl grows up during a difficult time of racial discrimination and war, and discovers light in unexpected places. This classic, powerful story from Lia Levi is adapted for young readers, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations, a family photo album, and a powerful author’s note to readers.

1938, Italy. Six-year-old Lia loves to build sandcastles at the beach and her biggest problem is her shyness and quiet, birdlike voice—until prime minister Mussolini joins forces with Hitler in World War II, and everything changes.

Now there are laws saying Jewish children can’t go to school, Jews can’t work, or go on vacation. It’s difficult for Lia to understand why this is happening to her family. When her father loses his job, they must give up their home and move from city to city.

As war comes closer, it becomes too dangerous to stay together, and Lia and her sisters are sent to hide at a convent. Will she ever be “just a girl” again?

The memoir is full of poignant moments of friendship and loss, dreaded tests at school, told in Lia's captivating voice, as she grows into a young teen. Just a Girl is an important addition to the WWII Jewish canon.

Based on a True Story: Follow the real-life childhood of author Lia Levi as a young Jewish girl navigating the dangers and confusion of Mussolini’s Italy.
Hiding in a Convent: When it becomes too dangerous to stay together, Lia and her sisters are sent into hiding, forced to adopt a false name and learn new prayers to survive.
A Child’s Perspective on WWII: Experience the war through the innocent eyes of a child who doesn’t understand why her world is changing, from being banned from school to seeing her father lose his job.
Resilience and Hope: A powerful and accessible story for young readers about finding friendship, courage, and moments of light in the darkest of times.