Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story

This true story of a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania during WWII that signs visas for 10,000 Jewish refugees from Poland to escape the Nazis that pursue them is truly a story of heroism. The illustrations are amazing and unusual. The writing is great. What a book. I cannot praise this book highly enough. It's great. ( )

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Unbelievable story!!!! Perfect for 5th grade. ( )

Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat to Lithuania and his home are surrounded by Jewish refugees begging for a visa to travel to safety. Sugihara asks his government three times if he may write the visas, yet he is denied each time. Without regard for the consequences, he defies his government and writes visas for hundreds and hundreds of refugees. Through his courage and determination numerous families are saved from the Nazi’s. Throughout the book the themes of sensitivity to others, respect for family, and honor towards parents is emphasized. Overall this is a wonderful book and belongs on shelves in every school and library. ( )

This is the true story - told through the eyes of his young son - of Chiune Sugihara, who saved the lives of several thousand Jews in Lithuania during the Holocaust by issuing visas for them, even though his government had told him not to, literally writing until the day he had to leave Lithuania, and throwing pieces of paper with the consulate stamp and his signature out the train as he left.

Had he saved even one person, of course, he would've done a good deed, but thousands...?

This is a truly inspiring story, and it's a good way of talking about the Second World War without having to explicitly talk about the atrocities committed, something many parents understandably don't want to do. The fear of the refugees is obvious enough, the details aren't necessary. ( )