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lullaby she remembered Mama singing to her:
Sleep, little baby, safely sleep.
    The birds are singing in the woods.
    They sing and hop in the grass so green.
    They’ll bring the baby something good.
    Like a wilted flower opening to the gentle rain, Rebecca began to respond. She made cooing and gurgling noises. She stared at Johanna as she listened to her whispered words. Her big eyes were like a bird’s, alert and curious. Rebecca was growing prettier, too. Her hair was becoming softer and her skin was losing its pallor. Every day, Johanna looked forward to seeing Rebecca, to holding her in her arms and whispering to her.
    Johanna knew she was breaking the rules but she no longer cared. No amount of money was worth seeing the babies die. Nothing was.
    Johanna sighed, sat on a bench in the garden, and opened her Bible. She was reading the story of Moses — one of her favourites. Because of a prophecy, the pharaoh in Egypt had given the order that all Hebrew baby boys must be killed. Miriam hid behind some reeds and watched as her baby brother floated in his basket on the Nile River. An Egyptian princess found him and raised him as her son.
    Johanna’s heart started pounding. Although she had read this story many times before, today it was as if the words on the page spoke directly to her. I could be like Miriam was to Moses. I could take Rebecca away from this horrible place. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine what it would be like. What if I ran away with her? I would have to find somewhere safe for us. And then I could adopt her — just like the Egyptian princess adopted Moses!
    Johanna shivered in spite of the warmth in the garden. I am not brave. Can I save Rebecca and still help Mama? She plucked a blade of grass and shredded it with her fingernail.
    It was an impossible choice, but Johanna knew it was one she must make. I will do it . No matter how dangerous the journey might be. Her heart skipped a beat. Where can I go? It must be far away. Mama must not get into trouble because of me.
    Grandfather Samuel had told her of a city where Jews could become citizens. He had called it the “Dutch Jerusalem.” He had told her that Jews could worship in freedom there; that they had even been allowed to build a synagogue. Johanna clenched her fists. She would go to that city. She would go to Amsterdam.
    Johanna hurried back inside the house, her head buzzing with all the things she must do to prepare for the journey. Grandfather, I remember the stories you told me about how you ran away and made a new life in a new land. You had courage. Will I have courage, too?

— Chapter Five —
    Johanna’s Plan
    Daniel, the wagon driver, had come to the orphanage to make his regular deliveries of fruits and vegetables. “You want to do what ?” he asked.
    â€œShhhh!” whispered Johanna. “I want to leave this place.” She knew she could trust Daniel, because he’d delivered money and letters to Mama.
    â€œWhy do you want to do such a foolish thing?” said Daniel. “You’ve got a good job here. A place to sleep. Regular meals. Steady pay.”
    Johanna shook her head. “Daniel, the babies are dying. Six babies have died already.”
    Daniel took off his cap and scratched his matted hair. “I know. Ain’t I the one who delivers the coffins here?”
    â€œThree more babies are very weak. I think they’re going to die soon.” She swallowed hard and tugged on the sleeve of his jacket. “I want to run away and —”
    â€œRun away? Why not just quit the job and leave?”
    Johanna lowered her voice. “I want to take one of the babies with me.”
    â€œYou must be crazy!” Daniel shouted.
    â€œPlease be quiet!”
    Daniel peered at Johanna. “Where to?”
    Johanna looked over her shoulder. “First to Altona. It’s safer there. Then I’ll look for a ship to take me to Amsterdam.” She