"The selected family novels by author Regina B. Apitz fit in very well with the theme of the International Weeks against Racism, as her protagonist campaigns against bullying, among other things. Bullying can of course also constitute discrimination and the foundation behind these nationwide weeks of action is fundamentally committed to diversity, justice and solidarity." Anja Schmuck, Integration Officer of the Hanseatic City of Stralsund
Both novels (published in 2025 and 2020) are about the problems faced by the open-minded and curious 14-year-old Emilie Schnee, who lives with three generations in a Stralsund villa and is rooted in her family history. She reads a lot and loves fairy tales, can't stand injustice and gets involved. A mysterious discovery in the attic and a hiding place in the cellar take her far back into the time of her ancestors, for whom loss and consideration are a way of life. At school, Emilie is bullied because she is an "overachiever" and a member of the "quarrel mediators' club". She can rely on her friend Nina, the girl with the long braid from Kazakhstan. But the quiet Karl, who came from Romania and whom she secretly loves, disappeared one day. Her insecurity is great, her self-confidence shaken.
