The Red Ribbon by Lucy Adlington
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on September 11th 2018
ISBN: 1536201049
Pages: 288
Goodreads

Lucy Adlington’s historical novel, The Red Ribbon, is set in Auschwitz’s prisoner run, haute couture dress shop. The main character, Ella, is a talented young seamstress and designer who fights her way to work in the Upper Tailor Studio. In the midst of starvation, death, and torture, Ella forges a friendship an imaginative young prisoner, Rose. Daughter of a dutchess, Rose lifts the spirits of those around her with colorful stories and her selfless heart. The desperation of the prisoners and the vanity of their Nazi guards lends to suspense in the storyline as we watch the characters become cutthroat in order to maintain their position in the shop. There are special benefits to be the designer for the Commandant’s wife.

Well written and not glossing over the horrors of the camp, Adlington has made characters that the reader can relate to.  The author’s ability to focus on the struggle of humanity will cause readers to think.  It also shows the power of love, friendship, and hope are more powerful than even the darkest prison.

I would recommend this book for young adult collections in all library settings.

This book belongs with the creme of the crop!

Reviewed  by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library