Description

Fredy Hirsch tries to keep children safe. They are held at Auschwitz-Birkenau. He is a young Jewish athlete. He once hoped to compete at the 1936 Olympics. But the 1935 Nuremberg Laws force him to leave his homeland. As Nazi violence spreads, he shifts his work. He now seeks to help children stay alive.

At 27, Fredy sets up a school in a camp barrack. The children sing, draw and write poems. They use their minds to reach beyond camp life. Bright cartoons line the room. He seeks better food, warm clothes and shelter from cold and lice. He tries to shield the children from shame and abuse. To gain these things, he faces SS officers and risks death. His lessons aim to save their lives and sense of self.

Wendy Holden’s novel tells a story from the past. She draws on accounts from those who survived and records in archives. The book is for readers of Holocaust fiction. It is also for those who read stories based on real lives. Fredy’s work shows how threats shape children’s lives. It shows how moral courage and care can resist harm. The book also explores memory, duty and hope.

Anca Dumitru translated the English text. She also wrote notes for this edition. The book is part of the Raftul Denisei series.