I try to read most of what Steven Sheinkin writes. As a middle school librarian, he's such a great narrative non-fiction writer for students who are 12 - 15 and are interested in history.

In this trip into history, we meet Rudi Vrba, a Jew, who wants to fight against Hitler. He leaves home only to get captured. Twice. He ends up in Auschwitz. We learn that people live about five months here; Rudi makes it 18 months before escaping. His story tells what it was really like to live in Auschwitz, probably the most infamous camp. He tells of the other Jews and what happened to them as well as the jobs that he has. I truly believe that luck determines much during war. So many Jews were killed; Rudi was lucky to live. There's no other way around it. He admits it. He believes that the world needs to know what is happening to the Jews who are "relocated." He wants the truth to be revealed, which is why the security is so tight and cruel. He believes the Nazis don't want the world to know. Because of his escape, Rudi tells the world and saves Jews that would have been transported in some of the last transports of Jews to concentration camps. The world pressures Hungary to stop aiding Hitler in moving the Jews. It works. So many had already been killed, but many believe 100,000 were saved because of Rudi's testimony. Quite honestly, it's hard to hear about life in the camp and then go eat, sleep in a good bed, and live an easy life.

Gerta stays safe, hiding by lying low with her family, hoping they don't get relocated. Gerta believes her family don't understand what's truly happening and living their lives without seeming to care about then people suffering. She worries constantly about being taken. Eventually, Gerta's father is arrested. Gerta and her mother keep moving about and trying to stay unnoticed. Toward the end of the war, Gerta begins helping with the resistance and gets arrested for hiding her identity as a Jew. She and her mother remain together.

All in all, this book tells the story of bravery, chance, and luck in the face of try evil. It's a story that cannot be forgotten, for history is doomed to repeat itself. These atrocities should not be repeated. As hard as it is, continue to read history and to learn. ( )

Gr 8 Up—In vivid language, Sheinkin recounts Rudi Vrba's harrowing escape from the camps during World War II
while contextualizing history appropriate for the intended audience. The narrative also tells of the survival of
classmate Gerta Sidonová, living under an assumed identity. Dual stories build suspense while championing the
teens' survival.

First sentence: Rudi would find a way to fight Adolf Hitler. It can be said, without risk of exaggeration, that he would go on to be--while still a teenager--one of the great heroes of the entire Second World War. But not in a way he ever could have imagined.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction for middle school and high school. To be fair, nonfiction for everyone. [But I might be biased in thinking everyone needs to read World War II books, in particular books about the Holocaust.] This one tells the story of two teens: Rudolph (Rudi) Vrba and Gerta Sidonová.

My thoughts: I had read about Rudi Vrba [Walter Rosenberg] before in an adult book. So I knew what to expect. It didn't make this one less necessary. I think it is important for stories to be told to all audiences, in appropriate ways of course. I found it a quick, absorbing read. I think for those that know less it might be even more so.

Last October I read Jonathan Freedland's The Escape Artist. It was an AMAZING, amazing read. Difficult topic/subject to be sure. Definitely thought provoking. This one for young adults seems tamer. But I do think it is still a good read. ( )

Excerpt from a longer article:

Synergy: Exploring World War II

WORLD WAR II was a global conflict between two military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. From 1939-1945, many of the world’s countries fought on land, sea, and air killing an estimated 70-80 million people. Civilian populations were particularly hard hit. Many people were held in prison camps around the world.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:
...

IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE: A TRUE STORY OF SURVIVAL AND HEROISM IN NAZI EUROPE by Steve Sheinkin shares the parallel stories of two Jewish friends trying to survive the Holocaust. While Rudi is attempting to escape from Auschwitz, Gerta is in hiding and risks capture in Hungary. This engaging nonfiction narrative brings two difference Holocaust experiences to life for teens readers. ARC courtesy of Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan. ( )