One Day: A True Story of Courage and Survival in the Holocaust

By Author / Illustrator
Michael Rosen, illus Benjamin Phillips
Genre
Historical Fiction
Age range(s)
7+
Publisher
Walker Books
ISBN
9781529515985
Format
Hardback
Published
02-01-2025
Synopsis
A poignant and ultimately uplifting picture book based on a true story of an escape from a convoy to Auschwitz.
"Get through one day and then on to the next. One day at a time. One day after another." Eugene Handschuh was a Jewish member of the Resistance in occupied Paris. After he was captured by the Nazis, he was placed on a convoy to Auschwitz. Against all the odds, with the help of strangers and fellow members of the Resistance, Eugene and his father escaped the convoy and survived - when so many others did not.
Former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen was inspired to tell this story after discovering his father's uncle and aunt were on the same convoy as Eugene, but never returned. With powerful illustrations from Benjamin Phillips, whose work has been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration, this sensitive true-story picture book reminds us of the best of people, in the worst of times.
Reviews
Amanda
One Day: A True Story of Courage and Survival in the Holocaust is a wonderfully powerful story to highlight the courage, resilience and survival instincts of Jews during the second world war. Michael Rosen has waved his magical touch at the story with carefully chosen words to allow children of all ages to access the text.
There are so many elements of this true story which will interest children and adults alike, leading to meaningful discussion. The skilful illustrations by Benjamin Phillips add additional interest and detail to add depth to the text. The muted colour palette carefully ensures that the nature of the subject matter is respected at all times.
The Author's Note at the back of the book shares the name of the person whose story this is, making it feel personal. This will be an important addition to our text box for Year 6 who study the Second World War and I will also be adding a copy to the school library for others to access.
This is a hugely important part of history, and this book will aid the discussion of the WW2 events for generations to come. Get through one day and then on to the next. One day at a time. One day after another...
Suggested Reading Age 7+
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