FICTION

Simon's Escape

A Story of the Holocaust
by Bonnie PRYOR
978-0-76603-388-7.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5—7—In this mediocre novel, a Jewish boy survives the German invasion of Poland, the removal of the Jews to the Warsaw Ghetto, the death of his entire family, and a dangerous and unlikely escape to the woods. It has a purposeful narrative and dialogue that is often didactic and stilted. Introducing children to the events of the Holocaust is difficult primarily because it was so horrific, and allowing unaware readers to imagine that this book is an "Adventure" story is irresponsible. Considering how many fine memoirs and works of juvenile fiction are available to young people on the topic, this book is barely additional at best.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library
In 1866 Lee Chin works on the transcontinental railroad, earning money to free his sister from bondage in China (Iron). In Nazi-occupied Poland, the title character escapes the Warsaw ghetto (Simon's). Sarah Wright attempts to exonerate her father, accused of witchcraft (Devil's). The character-driven narratives can be choppy. "The Real History Behind the Story" is appended to each. Reading lists, websites. Review covers these Historical Fiction Adventures titles: The Iron Dragon, Simon's Escape, and The Devil's Door.
Reviewed by Teri Markson , Feb 01, 2011

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