The Magician of Auschwitz

by Kathy Kacer

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Pub Date Sep 15 2014 | Archive Date Jan 31 2016

Second Story Press

Children's Nonfiction | History

Description

Once there was a renowned magician called Nivelli, who performed before packed audiences in the grandest theaters of Berlin. Night after night, his fans applauded and called out for more astonishing feats of magic. “Bravo!” they would shout, as Nivelli bowed low with a great flourish. But that was in a different, happier time, before the Jews of Europe were rounded up and sent to concentration camps. This is the true story of a young boy on the inside of Auschwitz, whose life is changed by the actions of a prisoner who performs magic for the guards and who the boy later learns was the famous Nivelli.

Advance Praise

"A moving Holocaust story for younger readers about a young boy sent to Auschwitz and befriended by a magician… a poignant, inspiring story of friendship, hope and survival." - Kirkus Reviews

"Kacer (the Holocaust Remembrance series) presents a true tale about children and the Holocaust... Like Kacer’s previous books, this story is infused with hope and a message about human capacity for good in the face of evil." - Publisher's Weekly

"The Magician of Auschwitz tells of friendship in the face of terrible conditions. It is a wonderful springboard for discussion about the Second World War and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, and should be considered an essential purchase for every public and school library." - Quill & Quire starred review

"...a good introductory piece [to the Holocaust] with a compelling true story. This is a fine book, well designed and written for such a young age group." - The San Francisco Book Review

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781927583463
PRICE	$18.95 (USD)

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Featured Reviews

Janette M, Librarian

Stark illustrations compliment this stark short biography.

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Educator 269068

This book gave a very interesting perspective into a concentration camp, where in the midst of horrible conditions, the delight of magic tricks brings some hope and comfort to a boy. For children, I think it is a wonderful lesson to see that there are ways for anyone to bring something positive in the midst of the unimaginable. As well, it is a springboard for teaching about World War II, genocide, and the stories of individuals who lived through that time. I really appreciated the pictures and historical information at the end of the story, to see who the characters of the story are and how their lives progressed after Auschwitz. This is an important book I would use in my classroom.