Kindertransport

From the Publisher

"One of the World War II reminiscences that middle school readers will devour." --School Library Journal

"Memorable and moving." --Publishers Weekly

"An autobiographical account--compelling in its authentic details--of the author’s WWII years as a Jewish refugee in England." --Kirkus Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Drucker's account of her traumatic separation from her parents, who sent her from Germany to England in 1939, is, said PW, ``memorable and moving.'' Ages 10-13. (Oct.) q

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- The author of this personal narrative was born in Germany in 1927 and soon found her life disrupted by the events in Europe in the 1930s. Her mother arranged for her to be part of the Kindertransport , through which 10,000 Jewish children were sent to live with English families. Ollie, 11 when she leaves, speaks virtually no English and finds herself in a series of undesirable living situations: a dingy, louse-infested flat; a luxurious home in which she is virtually ignored; a boarding school that closes when the war begins; a Baptist family intent on avoiding sin; and a home with a sickly woman whose illnesses cause Ollie to miss school. At the age of 16 she leaves her studies to help take care of a family with five children. During this time Ollie worries about her parents' safety in Germany as the war rages, and keeps herself going with thoughts of a reunion with them. Eventually, they make their way to New York, and in 1945, she is able to join them. Her afterword reflects on her experiences as a refugee. The book is touching as well as exciting, and is one of the World War II reminiscences that middle school readers will devour. In a few unfortunates places, the author interjects herself too forcefully into the narrative; for example, she short-circuits a compelling story with comments such as, ``Children don't usually stop to realize what's going on. But if I had, it might have gone something like this. . . .'' In spite of occasional flaws, this is a worthwhile purchase written with an authentic voice.-- Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, CT

From Barnes & Noble

This poignant story traces the author's adolescent years in wartime England and her tribulations as a German Jew, ending with her immigration to the United States and a reunion with her parents in 1945. "Memorable and moving..."-- Publishers Weekly.