This is a hard book to read, of course, because of the upsetting subject matter, but would be a good addition to a Holocaust history unit for older students.

In 1944, fifteen year old Max and his family were sent in cattle cars to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Most of his family were immediately selected to die, however, Max, by chance alone, survived. First assigned to hard labor, Max was able to secure work in the hospital as an assistant. As liberation neared, Max was sent on a death march, barely surviving.

This was a well written and engaging book. It is heartbreaking to think of a fifteen year old being separated from his family, yet through strength of will, and chance, Max survived. Overall, highly recommended.