From School Library Journal
Gr 6-9-Rosen chronicles his quest to uncover the truth about his family history and the many theories of what happened to some of his relatives after World War II. This short book is written in chronological order, and most chapters end with a poem or part of a poem by Rosen. Although a lot of specific information regarding the war, especially from an English perspective, will be novel to most readers, most of it is specific to the author and his family. The abridged poems are moving and complement the topic covered in the previous chapter. In fact, the poetry could stand alone as an emotional literary work, instead of a narrative device that incorporates the granular details of discovering the author's family history. The language is simple, and the content is covered in a way that is not traumatic for young readers. The back matter, which includes further reading, photos, and letters, is a helpful resource. VERDICT Recommended for upper elementary or middle school libraries that need to expand their World War II collection.-Samantha Hull, Ephrata H.S., PAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
Speaking in the first person, directly to readers, Rosen explains the unexplainable in simple but not simplistic language, presenting facts without sugarcoating them or underestimating children’s ability to comprehend...An important work that is immensely personal, powerful, and heart-wrenching.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The language is simple, and the content is covered in a way that is not traumatic for young readers. The back matter, which includes further reading, photos, and letters, is a helpful resource. Recommended for upper elementary or middle school libraries that need to expand their World War II collection.
—School Library Journal
This memoir is shaped into prose chapters that discuss family stories, genealogical research, and historical context, followed by Rosen’s poems (many previously published) that respond to the chapter’s theme. Background on the Rosen generational relationships can be rather tangled and slow going, but it’s necessary preparation for Rosen’s eventual discovery of how shame may have figured into his elders’ reticence to talk about the family they lost. The dialogue between poetry and prose may serve as an engaging model for youth who are plumbing their own family’s stories and secrets.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
This poignant memoir documents the author and poet’s genealogical detective work to discover his relatives’ fates during WWII...Alternating between prose and poetry, the accessible narrative includes poignant poems that underscore the search and deepen understanding of both Rosen’s family and his drive to uncover the truth. Supplemented by black-and-white photographs, a comprehensive family tree, and an extensive list for further reading, this multifaceted tome offers a potent, personal look at family history and the Holocaust, with a rousing call against ongoing prejudice and contemporary crises.
—Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Michael Rosen is one of the most popular contemporary poets and authors of books for children. He received the Eleanor Farjeon Award for services to children's literature in 1997 and served as Children's Laureate in the UK between 2007 and 2009. His books include the worldwide bestseller We're Going on a Bear Hunt and the award-winning Michael Rosen's Sad Book as well as What’s So Special About Shakespeare?, What’s So Special About Dickens?,and What Is Poetry? He lives in London.
