Excellent but for mature, emotionally stable kids 12 and up

books:


	• Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust Allan Zullo, Mara Bovsun Scholastic Paperbacks, 2005 - 208 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A touching and important reminder......for everyone

I didn't realize this was a children's book until it arrived. I'm glad I didn't or I might have missed out on this fine collection of experiences. Because it is a children's book, it gently glosses over some of the horrors these holocaust survivors saw. Those scenes are not removed from the story, but, the specifics are left to your own mind.

Each chapter tells the story of a different child's experience.
Two children were part of the kindertransport, but didn't go all the way to England. Another was on the ill-fated ship the St. Louis. A shocking reminder of how some survived and some didn't by the smallest of decisions.

I have already read it many times. I intend to share it with my nieces when they next visit. The next generation must know that the Holocaust did exist. That over six million people died not for 'who' they were but for 'what' they were (Jewish, Gypsy, Gay, etc.). Unfortunately, nothing seems to unite people like having 'someone' to blame all your problems on. The Nazis and countless others both before and since have made that very clear.

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A Good Pick for Sixth Grade

I purchased a class set for my 6th grade class. I feel this book was very appropriately written for this age. Of course there are parts to the stories that are "unbelievable" and sad to read, espcially for me as an adult. However, children these days are exposed to much more by media and often with less sensorship and thought. These are wonderful stories that teach history, empathy, and human strength.

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Survivors True Stories of Children in the Holocaust

Throughout the duration of World War II, the lives of Jews across Europe took a turn for the worse. As the Nazi's reign of terror extended, Hitler and his followers grasped every aspect of Jewish life and turned it upside-down. . Survivors True Stories of Children in the Holocaust, by Allan Zucco and Mara Bosuvn, is a gripping book entailing the true life stories of eight children living during the time period and their amazing determination to survive through the Holocaust. Each story uniquely depicts the riveting events each child endured in their struggle to survive. All eight stories demonstrate the childrens' bravery, valor, courage, and wisdom beyond years in heart wrenching experiences. Each child remained strong as their world and everything they once knew fell down around them.

I found this book interesting, informing, and tremendously motivating. This book holds the attention of the reader exceptionally well. When you thought the character had no alternatives but to give up, you were immediately surprised by the courage they found within to outlast the struggle. For example, when Mathei Jackel, age ten, was placed in a boxcar all alone headed for a death camp, he somehow managed to escape out the door and remain free from the terror of the Nazis. You were left with the impression that he had no way out of the boxcar, which was headed towards his demise, and surprised when he escaped with his life. While keeping the reader involved with the stories, the book also enlightens the reader with many important facts pertaining to World War II and the Holocaust. Facts such as dates, historic locations, and vocabulary terms can be referenced to from the book and its glossary located at the back. Through reading the novel, I was able to learn many of the conditions the Jews faced. I was able to learn about the rations of food they were expected to live on and the daily routines they anticipated such as digging trenches, constructing war materials, and making long strenuous walks to various concentration camps. Above all, the stories included in this book were motivating and ultimately inspiring. Lines such as,"I don't know how, but I am going to survive...I can't think any other way," let the reader realize to never giving up is an important value to have in reaching your dreams. Hearing what each character endured made you realize anything is possible when you set your mind to it. The will and courage each child had made you want to strand up and make a difference. Many morals and life lesson ran through the simple yet captivating stories of each child's experiences. Life lessons everyone can find valuable such as going for your dreams and believing in yourself were key in each story. Although this book was an amazing read it, it's not suitable for all ages.

Even though the book was well written and exceptional, it provides some vivid descriptions that an immature audience could not handle. Due to its graphic nature, this book is well suitable for a mature middle school or older audience. Mature audiences can benefit from its lessons and values such as courage represented in each story.

The book could have been improved if it had included more about life of Jews before the Holocaust and the invasion of the Nazis. Readers could have understood how the lives of the Jews were completely turned upside-down by the Nazis' evasion. Readers also could have gotten to know the characters better by knowing more about their everyday life prior to the struggles they faced.

Being a high school freshman, this book relates to many pieces of literature included in the high school curriculum. Books such as To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, are related to this book in the sense that they both value courage in the activities the characters peruse. In both books the characters demonstrate both moral and physical courage. The Book also relates to the novel To Kill a Mockingbird because in both the characters are treated differently because of others ignorance. In both characters are faced with racism. In both books the characters face a loss of innocence due to dealing with adult conflicts and things children should have to face such as death and the slaughter of people due to racism.

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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Excellent but for mature, emotionally stable kids 12 and up

This book should be read by everyone that is emtionally mature enough to handle it. I am writing this review as a warning to parents that might purchase this book for a younger child based on the "Reading Level: 9 - 12" rating and the fact that it is a Scholastic book. My 4th grader's teacher recommended this book but I am glad I took a look at it first. Here's an excerpt from the book taking place as one of the children is being smuggled out of a ghetto by her father hiding her under his coat. The following exchange takes place between the guard and the man ahead of them at the gate:
"Hurry up!" shouted the impatient German guard.
"It's here somewhere. I know it is."
"You don't have a pass, do you?" snarled the guard. "You're trying to sneak out of the ghetto, trying to fool me."
"No really, I have - " The man never finished his sentence. The guard shot him.
Hearing the loud bang, Luncia jerked. Her father wrapped his arms tight around his coat to keep her still, but her whole body trembled uncontrollably. He's going to shoot us all, I know it.

I know that my 4th grader is not ready to read this kind of material but this is an excellent book to be read by everyone that is ready for this type of material. Very well written information that we all should know and never forget.

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suvivors

an excellent collection of true stories of children of the holocaust. each story captivates your heart and keeps you reading to end. It will inspire you to do more to keep horrific things like the Holocaust from ever happening again.

reviews: page 1, 2

These are the true-life accounts of nine Jewish boys and girls whose lives spiraled into danger and fear as the Holocaust overtook Europe. In a time of great horror, these children each found a way to make it through the nightmare of war. Some made daring escapes into the unknown, others disguised their true identities, and many witnessed unimaginable horrors. But what they all shared was the unshakable belief in-- and hope for-- survival. Their legacy of courage in the face of hatred will move you, captivate you, and, ultimately, inspire you.

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