June 1, 2002
Gr 5 Up-In 1944, in Budapest, Swedish Diplomat Raoul Wallenberg saved thousands of Jews from deportation to concentration camps by supplying them with Swedish passports. This novel is told from the perspective of Marta, a Jewish girl whose life is saved on several occasions by his intervention. Unfortunately, what could be a fascinating story about resistance to the Nazis becomes bogged down by too many subplots and underrealized supporting characters. Dialogue, rather than action, moves the plot, and Marta tells readers how she feels about the events around her, rather than reacting to them. The novel ends with the Soviet liberation of the city and a historical note details Wallenberg's exploits. An error in the historical note, however, states that Hungary was liberated in January 1944, not 1945. Lois Lowry's Number the Stars (Houghton, 1989) and Renee Roth-Hano's Touch Wood (Four Winds, 1988; o.p.) are more emotional and moving accounts of Jewish rescue from the Nazis.-Martha Link, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2002
Gr. 8-12. On a sunny day in March 1944, Marta Weisz's Jewish school is dismissed for the year: Germany has invaded Hungary. Her happy, privileged life as the daughter of a wealthy Budapest surgeon is over. But Marta is a teenager to be reckoned with--strong-willed, clever, and a risk taker. She is also in love with Peter--who is a gentile. Marta continues to see Peter, despite prohibitions, even covering her canary yellow star to go dancing with him. Things grow worse: Peter disappears, food becomes scarce, and the Weiszes are evicted. Then Marta hears about an obscure diplomat, Raoul Wallenberg, who may be able to help her family. The otherwise moving, atmospheric story ends on a rather abrupt note, but Weisman capably conveys the gradually building terror Jews in Budapest endured and the way some fought back. Girls will be drawn to courageous Marta, her romance, and her indomitable spirit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)