Peter's War: A Boy's True Story of Survival in World War II Europe

by Karen Gray Ruelle, Deborah Durland DeSaix (Illustrator)

Overview

The harrowing true story of a German-Jewish boy who had to survive World War II on his own, separated from his parents as they fled the Holocaust.

In 1942, as twelve-year-old Peter Feigl and his family tried to disappear inthe Southern Zone of France, his parents were arrested.

They had been constantly on the run for years, as Hitler consolidated powerand overran Europe. Peter and his family fled from Germany to Czechoslovakia,then Austria, Belgium, and finally France. They were desperate to stay one step ahead of the Nazis and their concentration camps.

But suddenly, Peter was alone: a spirited child coming of age in hiding during the worst war in modern history. This book follows his incredible journey for survival, and his efforts as a secret resistance fighter.

Beautifully illustrated in a scrapbook style, featuring original artwork alongside historical photographs from Peter's early life, this one-of-a-kind nonfiction picture book offers a very personal look into the lives of young people trying to evade— and resist— the Nazis. Excerpts and images from Peter's diary of those years add irreplaceable, first-hand details to the accountof his survival.

The acclaimed nonfiction duo of Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix, creators of Hidden on the Mountain and The Grand Mosque of Paris, have crafted an enthralling account, filled with meticulous research and informed by the authors' own interviews with Feigl. Accessible and detailed, this will inspire young readers and offer a new perspective on a frequently studied era of history.

Featuring more than ten pages of supplementary backmatter— including an epilogue, extensive historical notes, a wealth of recommendations for further reading, and a comprehensive list of sources and credits— Peter's War is amasterful resource, and an incredible, unforgettable true story.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823451203
Publisher:	Holiday House
Publication date:	10/25/2022
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	646,922
Product dimensions:	8.03(w) x 9.98(h) x 0.15(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Karen Gray Ruelle is a former librarian turned full-time author and illustrator of children's books. Her books include the Harry and Emily easyreaders, as well as picture books and nonfiction. Hidden on the Mountain, cowritten with Deborah Durland DeSaix, was a Sydney Taylor Notable Book and received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. She lives in New York City.

Deborah Durland DeSaix is a former college professor who now devotes her time to painting, ceramics, and writing. Hidden on the Mountain, cowritten with Karen Gray Ruelle, was a Sydney Taylor Notable Book and received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. She lives in Lisbon, Portugal.

Editorial Reviews

★ "This affecting compilation will help young readers put a human face on an unfathomable tragedy, as Peter's personality shines through in his writing. This accessible tribute is an important addition to children's Holocaust literature."—Booklist, Starred Review

"This is a valuable addition to the shelves of Holocaust literature, highlighting both the single-minded determination of the Germans and the heroic efforts of one French community. . . . An important, well-written account of survival against overwhelming odds."—Kirkus Reviews  
  

"this is an important primary source story of a young refugee during World War II." —School Library Journal


"In this beautifully designed book . . .  events come to life through period photographs juxtaposed with De Saix’s luminous watercolor illustrations to convey the emotions of persecuted Jews. . . . There’s a lot to absorb here, but the authors keep the text simple and clear"—ALJ News and Reviews

From the Publisher

04/01/2020

Gr 3–6—Peter Feigl, a German Jewish boy separated from his parents during World War II, fled from country to country to evade capture by the Nazis. This brief recounting is based on his personal diaries and interviews with the authors. Despite a thoroughly researched topic, there are several writing and formatting flaws that make this an imperfect package. The story itself is often so abbreviated that it fails to capture an appropriate sense of action or emotion. For example, "Peter's father was temporarily released from a prison camp because he was very ill. When he joined them in Auch, Peter was thrilled, but he constantly worried that his father might be sent back." The use of complex vocabulary assumes prior understanding and basic knowledge of topics such as European geography, religion, and chronology of the war, which is not provided. Words such as chancellor, Gestapo, baptized, strafing, and draconian are used without the aid of a glossary or pronunciation guide. Small images of Peter's diaries, which miraculously survived and are housed in the National Holocaust Museum, are included, along with a virtual "scrapbook" of black-and-white photos of Peter, his parents, and classmates. Supplemental watercolor illustrations in muted earth tones soften the impact and urgency implied in the text. VERDICT Despite writing and format imperfections, this is an important primary source story of a young refugee during World War II. Purchase where demand in this subject area is strong.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

School Library Journal

2019-12-22
Sympathetic and brave French citizens help a Jewish boy survive World War II.

Born in Germany to comfortable and nonobservant Jewish parents, Peter Feigl has a good life. When Hitler comes to power, however, they move to Czechoslovakia, Austria, Belgium, and finally France in search of safety. When, ultimately, Peter's parents are deported to Auschwitz, Peter finds shelter with French families on La Montagne Protestante, among a community of Huguenots. What follows is a harrowing time of hiding, tricking German soldiers, and finally being spirited to safety in Switzerland. Peter kept two diaries in which he recorded his feelings and activities, excerpts from which appear throughout. In an epilogue and notes, the authors provide more detailed and very accessible background information on French Resistance activities, the diaries, and the Holocaust as it affected one Jewish child who was in fact baptized. The account of their interviews with Peter should fascinate readers and perhaps encourage them to undertake similar projects. Graphite-and-watercolor illustrations complement the inclusion of many black-and-white photographs. This is a valuable addition to the shelves of Holocaust literature, highlighting both the single-minded determination of the Germans and the heroic efforts of one French community. Peter, who is multilingual, worked with the French Resistance and eventually moved to America, where he frequently speaks to groups about his wartime experiences.

An important, well-written account of survival against overwhelming odds. (map, bibliography, recommended resources) (Biography. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews