About This Book
"The Boy Who Didn't Want to Die" is a poignant graphic memoir recounting Peter Lantos's experiences as a five-year-old boy navigating war-torn Europe in 1944 and 1945. Traveling with his parents from Hungary through Austria and Germany, Peter's childhood "adventure" quickly transforms into a nightmare of survival. The book unflinchingly depicts the terror, starvation, and infection of the time, including his family's time in Belsen and the tragic deaths of his father and grandmother. Yet, it is also a testament to the powerful bond between a mother and son and the enduring human spirit of hope. Illustrated in striking black and cyan, this book offers a sensitive, age-appropriate introduction to a difficult historical period, suitable for children aged 4-11, with parental guidance recommended for younger readers due to the heavy themes.
