Book details
Run, Boy, Run
Description
"'Srulik, there's no time. I want you to remember what I'm going to tell you. You have to stay alive. You have to! Get someone to teach you how to act like a Christian, how to cross yourself and pray. . . . The most important thing, Srulik,' he said, talking fast, 'is to forget your name. Wipe it from your memory. . . . But even if you forget everything—even if you forget me and Mama—never forget that you're a Jew.'"And so, at only eight years old, Srulik Frydman says goodbye to his father for the last time and becomes Jurek Staniak, an orphan on the run in the Polish countryside at the height of the Holocaust. With the danger of capture by German soldiers ever-present, Jurek must fight against starvation, the punishing Polish winters, and widespread anti-Semitism as he desperately searches for refuge. Told with the unflinching honesty and unique perspective of such a young child, Run, Boy, Run is the extraordinary account of one boy's struggle to stay alive in the face of almost insurmountable odds—a story all the more incredible because it is true.
Age
13-14
Text complexity
developing
Length
192 pages
Why to read
- Inspirational Story: 'Run, Boy, Run' is a harrowing tale of survival and resilience. It tells the true story of a young boy's determination to survive against all odds during the Holocaust. Reading it can inspire and motivate individuals to overcome their own challenges.
- Historical Insight: The book provides a deeply personal and human perspective on the events of World War II and the Holocaust. It offers readers a chance to learn about this significant period in history through the eyes of a child, which can be both educational and emotionally impactful.
- Literary Merit: Uri Orlev, the author, is an award-winning writer known for his skill in storytelling. His work has been recognized for its literary quality, making 'Run, Boy, Run' not only an important historical account but also a well-crafted piece of literature.
- Cultural Understanding: Reading 'Run, Boy, Run' can help readers gain a better understanding of Jewish culture and the experiences of Jewish people during the Holocaust. This can foster empathy and awareness about the atrocities of the past, and the importance of preventing such events in the future.