Prisoner B-3087

Prisoner B-3087, written by Alan Gratz, is a perfect fit for anyone studying World War II and the Holocaust.  This book is based on the true story of Jack Gruener.  He spent six years of his childhood, from age 10-16, trying to survive until the end of the war. 

                                                              

Yanek (Jack) and his family first became prisoners in their own home when the Nazis walled in their neighborhood in Krakow, Poland.  Everyone who wasn't Jewish was moved out.  Each day, more and more Jewish people were moved into this Ghetto.  Soon, there were 16 people living with his family in their small apartment.  Eventually, the ghetto would be liquidated and Yanek found himself on his own, his family members disappearing at a moments notice.  After he left the ghetto, he was moved from work camp to concentration camp ten times, sometimes walking for days on end with nothing to eat.  He learned to keep a low profile, and ultimately survive on his own.

This is an amazing account of the horrors of the Holocaust, but not for the faint of heart.  It fits well with books such as Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli, and Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy.

Let me know if you've read this book...and remember to comment about your summer reading!