Friedeman, Amanda. Interrupted Lives: Nine Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Kar-Ben, 03/2025. 72pp. Nonfiction. Paper $10.99. 979-8765607763. GRADES 4–8. ADDITIONAL.
Nine Jewish people from different countries and areas of Europe who survived the Holocaust as children give their personal stories in this slim book. Each chapter is told from that person’s perspective, describing the time before they were persecuted, how they dealt with various hardships, and how they eventually came to the United States, often as refugees. Some were imprisoned in concentration camps, others were hidden by non-Jewish families, escaped by Kindertransport, or were sent to ghettos. All come across as optimistic about humanity but found it important to share their stories at schools so history won’t repeat itself. The book is formulaic but effective, containing b&w photos, sidebars, life lessons, and a glossary.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool