Book details
The Ship to Nowhere: On Board the Exodus (The Holocaust Remembrance Series for Young Readers 2016, 16)
Description
Rachel Landesman is eleven years old when she, her mother and sister are crammed on board the Exodus, a dilapidated vessel smuggling 4500 Jewish refugees risking their lives to reach Palestine, their biblical homeland. Despite all they had suffered during the Holocaust, Jewish refugees are still not wanted in many countries. Even a Canadian immigration officer famously said at the time "None is too many" when asked how many refugees Canada would take in. Nonetheless, Rachel and the other refugees refuse to give up hope when war ships surround them. Their fight, and the worldwide attention it brought, influenced the UN to vote for the creation of the state of Israel. Made famous by the Paul Newman film "Exodus", this is the first book for young people about the ship that helped make history.
Age
9-13
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
176 pages
Book in series
#16
Why to read
- Educational Value: 'The Ship to Nowhere' provides young readers with an accessible and engaging way to learn about a significant historical event, the voyage of the Exodus 1947, and its role in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the formation of the state of Israel.
- Emotional Connection: Through the eyes of the protagonist, Rachel, readers can connect emotionally with the experiences of Jewish refugees seeking a new home after the trauma of World War II, fostering empathy and understanding of the human impact of historical events.
- Historical Accuracy: Rona Arato's meticulous research ensures that the events depicted in the book are historically accurate, offering readers a factual basis for understanding the challenges faced by Holocaust survivors and the political complexities of the time.
- Inspiration and Hope: The story of the Exodus 1947 is one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Readers will be inspired by the courage of the passengers and crew as they navigate their journey to nowhere, ultimately playing a part in the creation of a homeland where they could live in freedom.