A young boy survives in a concentration camp because he can play Shubert on his harmonica, which the commandant asks for every night. ( )

This book was written in beautiful language. It almost brought me to tears. This would be a great book to read aloud and use expression while reading it. I think it would be a great way to educate students about the Holocaust from a different perspective then historical fact books. I love that this book was written to keep one man's story going. Its based on a true story. ( )

This is a well written book about a boy's journey. He had a wonderful family until the Nazis arrived at his home and he became imprisoned and kept away from his family. His harmonica kept him personally attached to the memories of his family but also caught the attention of the commander who had him play daily. Although his harmonica playing kept him alive and fed an extra bread he was ashamed, that is until he was told his playing gave hope to the other prisoners in earshot. The book just ended, like I fell off a cliff!! The author provided extra details in a back page story so we know he survived the holocaust. The book was engrossing and really draws you in to the story. I would use this book to discuss the Holocaust, surviving troubles, strength, having hope, turning misfortune and despair into hope. I would use this book for grades 3-8 b/c of the strong emotions and war topics. ( )

A young Jewish boy sent alone to a concentration camp has only his harmonica for comfort. He pours his grief into playing Schubert on it. The commandant hears him and rewards his playing with bits of bread. But the boy feels guilty taking the bread until fellow prisoners thank him for the comforting music.

Very realistically written. Delt with death and loss of family. ( )