The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz

The Boy Who Followed His Father into AuschwitzThe Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield
on 01/17/2023
ISBN: 0063236176
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Adapted for younger readers from Dronfield’s adult version by the same name, The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz is a narrative account of the Jewish Kleinmann family, living in Austria during World War II. Fourteen-year-old Fritz and his Papa, Gustav, are taken to Buchenwald concentration camp where they endure innumerable brutalities. When Gustav is set to be transferred to Auschwitz, Fritz decides he cannot leave his dear father, and ensures they make the transfer together. Several chapters are dedicated to Fritz’s brother Kurt and his acceptance into America as a refugee. 

This is an excellent addition to middle school nonfiction collections serving as a necessary contribution to the record of Holocaust stories. The resilience, hope, courage, and love exemplified in the actions of the Kleinmann family in the face of such horrors is thought-provoking and powerful.

Dronfield provides readers with some background information about how this book came to be and his interactions with Kurt. An author’s note to parents and teachers, a timeline of events, a glossary, suggestions for further reading, and works cited are included. 

Grades 6-8

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars