Escape to Liechtenstein ANNOTATION
Hans and Gretchen discover a young Jewish boy hiding from Nazi troops and decide to assist him in his escape from Austria.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Joyce Rice
Jacob, Gretchen, and Hans are unlikely companions in 1942 Nazi-occupied Austria. Gretchen and Hans, brother and sister, are seeking a way out of their beloved Austria and into Liechtenstein, a neutral country. Their blond hair and fair skin identifies them as separate from the Jews that Hitler has announced he will eliminate. When they take in Jacob, a young Jewish boy, their lives become entwined with his as they seek to protect him while escaping to safety. The story is a familiar one for this age group, but the friendship that develops among these companions is inspiring. This is a welcome addition to the Holocaust curriculum for upper elementary readers. There are religious references as the children pray for guidance. This is book one in "The Young Refugees" series. 2004, Journey Forth/Bob Jones University Press, Ages 9 to 12.
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