About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teen is grappling with the weight of historical legacy, the feeling of being an outsider, or the profound search for a sense of belonging after a major life upheaval. It is particularly resonant for families looking to explore the post-Holocaust experience through a lens of resilience rather than just tragedy. The story follows Yulek, a seventeen-year-old survivor who is the sole member of his family left after the war, as he journeys toward a new life in Israel. While the backdrop is the aftermath of the concentration camps, the emotional core focuses on the hope of building a future and the complex tension between one's past and one's destiny. It is highly appropriate for older middle schoolers and high schoolers who are ready for a mature, realistic portrayal of survival and the immigrant experience. Parents will appreciate the way it humanizes history while providing a roadmap for emotional recovery and the importance of finding one's community.
