Shadow of His Hand: A Story Based on the Life of Holocaust Survivor Anita Dittman (Daughters of the Faith Series) [Paperback]

Wendy G. Lawton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2004 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Daughters of the Faith Series

Young Anita Dittman's world crumbles as Hitler begins his rise to power in Germany, but because she's a Christian and only half-Jewish, Anita feels sure she and her family are safe from "the Final Solution". She couldn't have been more wrong. Shadow of His Hand is an inspirational young adult historical fiction book based on the real-life story of Anita Dittman, a Holocaust survivor. It follows her struggle against Nazi persecution and her growth in her relationship with God through the worst of times.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A captivating story. . . I couldn't put the book down." -- Tricia Goyer, Author of acclaimed W.W.II novels
From Dust and Ashes and Night Song.

From the Author

This sixth and final book in The Daughter's of the Faith series tells the real account of Anita Dittman, a Jewish girl growing up in Nazi Germany. Her story is one of courage and faith. During the interview process, as Ms. Dittman recounted the events of those desperate years, the theme that emerged was one of God's providence, not Hitler's horror.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802440746
• ISBN-13: 978-0802440747
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully told, July 28, 2004

By 

Teresa Slack "Fiction Author" (http://www.teresaslack.com) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shadow of His Hand: A Story Based on the Life of Holocaust Survivor Anita Dittman (Daughters of the Faith Series) (Paperback)

Shadow of His Hand is the story of Anita Dittman, a young girl who survives Hilter's Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Trials begin early for young Anita when her own father rejects her, favoring her older sister over her. Soon Anita, her sister, and their mother are cast out of their house by their Aryan father who says he will support them financially, but ultimately does not.

One Easter Sunday, Anita goes to church with friends and learns she has a Heavenly Father who will never leave her or forsake her. For the first time in her life, she feels protected and understood. Anita's life rapidly deteriorates into a lack of food, no home of her own, poor education, and little hope. But through everything, she clings to her newfound faith and belief in her Heavenly Father that he is with her always.

Wendy Lawton's Daughters of the Faith series is a must read for any young person. Her stories offer hope and courage and an understanding of what young women have gone through to exercise onto their faith. I highly recommend this series. Shadow of His Hand proves the series just keeps getting stronger with each book.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shadow of His Hand, July 16, 2004

By 

Jeff And Teena Stewart (Benicia, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shadow of His Hand: A Story Based on the Life of Holocaust Survivor Anita Dittman (Daughters of the Faith Series) (Paperback)

This heartrending tale set during Nazi Germany tells the real life survival story of Anita Dittman, who was born to a Jewish mother and German father. Writing the story of the Holocaust in a clear and sensitive enough manner for young readers is no easy task. Wendy Lawton handles the subject matter with great sensitivity.

I don't see how anyone who reads this book can remain untouched or uninspired by Anita's triumph through unimaginable horrors of prejudice at its absolute ugliest. She has every opportunity and many reasons to deny her faith and yet she stands firm. I have certainly been challenged to put my own trials into perspective. I highly recommend it for both children and adults.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shadow of His Hand, July 22, 2004

By 

M. L. Weydemuller (CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shadow of His Hand: A Story Based on the Life of Holocaust Survivor Anita Dittman (Daughters of the Faith Series) (Paperback)

What a powerful story to share with children of all ages as a testament to a faith journey in the midst of a grueling history.

With poignancy and precision Wendy Lawton shares the childhood years of Holocaust survivor Anita Dittman. We see into the heart of a young child trying to make sense of the growing hatred and confusion around her, beginning in her own family with her father's personal rejection. Her childhood is slowly stripped away from her as she and her mother and sister are labeled and forced into poverty and fear. At six she hears a boy call her 'Judenfratz', Jew-brat, and wonders why he hates her.

However alongside the external danger Anita's faith deepens as she comes to an understanding of her Heavenly Father. From her first moment of trust she feels His love in her heart,and that recognition of God's love for her never falters,despite death and deprivation all around her. She understood right from the beginning that God was not to blame for Hitler's regime, but instead was weeping along with His children. Though a child, her mature trust in her Heavenly Father gave witness then and now to the power of divine love even in the face of cruelty.