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The Night Crossing
It's hard to leave your home and friends, but the Nazis have invaded Clara's native Austria, and her Jewish family is no longer safe. Clara and her family take only what they can carry and travel by night to the Swiss border, where they hope to escape to freedom. Soldiers are everywhere, and it is Clara's heroism that carries the family across the border, their lives and few precious possessions intact.
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
14 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 14, 2021
Excellent “gateway” book to help introduce young readers to WWII and Jewish persecution. Captivates their focus. Excellent for teaching sequence, character traits, theme, and author’s purpose.
October 17, 2014
I read this book with my high 2nd grade readers. It was perfect for this group of kids. We actually spent just as much time learning about this time period, as we did reading the book. Since it was 8 year olds reading it, I figured that most of them would have no clue about World War 2 and all the horrible things that happened during it. Obviously, they didn't need to know about everything in detail, but I wanted them to understand that Hitler and the Nazi's were evil, and that they did horrible things to innocent people. This book gave just enough information about the fears of the Jewish people, without needing to explain much more. They understood the conditions the character's lived in, the hard choices they needed to make, the consequences of staying where they were and getting caught escaping. This book was simple and well written. I'm so glad that it gave an epilogue that I felt was true to what happened to so many Jewish families. It didn't give a perfect ending for everyone in their family. The people who decided to stay behind, did not fair as well. So, I would definitely recommend this book. For older students, or people who like reading books set in this time period, The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is EXCELLENT!
July 31, 2022
This short story captures a small part of the persecutions from the Third Reich. We follow a Jewish family that must flee Austria with only what they can carry. It’s fiction, and written for young readers, but it really brings the fear and confusion into perspective, as we follow Clara and her family.
The reader sees the decisions the characters must make for their escape, and as a really stand out scene, hide from a Nazi soldier not much older than the Clara and her sister. It’s large print, illustrated, and finishes around 50 pages, but creates a knowledge of the event, and confusion to the persecution, many other kids books don’t capture.
⚠️ Parental Warning ⚠️
None
The reader sees the decisions the characters must make for their escape, and as a really stand out scene, hide from a Nazi soldier not much older than the Clara and her sister. It’s large print, illustrated, and finishes around 50 pages, but creates a knowledge of the event, and confusion to the persecution, many other kids books don’t capture.
⚠️ Parental Warning ⚠️
None
June 21, 2024
At 56 pages, I thought that this was a very good introduction to the holocaust for beginning readers.The font was big and easy to follow as well.
September 20, 2017
It is 1938, and Clara lives with her parents, Albert and Helen, and her older sister Marta, in Innsbruck, Austria. They are Jewish. Many years before, Clara’s grandmother had made a night crossing from Russia over the Carpathian Mountains into Austria to escape persecution. But now Adolph Hitler and his Nazis have taken over in Austria. They are taking Jews, such as the Jewish baker Mr. Duessel, away to prison camps, so Clara’s family must make a night crossing from Austria over the Alps into Switzerland to escape the Nazis. They will be using false papers and pretending to be Swiss citizens who had gone to Innsbruck to visit relatives but were now returning home.
However, they can take only so many things with them because they must look like casual travelers. Clara wants to take her dolls, Gittel and Lotte, which had made the earlier night crossing with Grandma and had then been to her by Grandma. Can they get away before the Nazis take them? Will they make it to Switzerland, or will they be caught? And what will happen to Gittel and Lotte? This story, now a First Bullseye Book, is an excellent fictional introduction to the Holocaust for young children. It has plenty of drama and suspense, and the danger is clearly portrayed, but there is no overly descriptive gore that can be scary. With its directness and simplicity, it is easy to digest by transitional readers. As one reviewer noted, this is a difficult story that must be told to children of this generation and future generations.
However, they can take only so many things with them because they must look like casual travelers. Clara wants to take her dolls, Gittel and Lotte, which had made the earlier night crossing with Grandma and had then been to her by Grandma. Can they get away before the Nazis take them? Will they make it to Switzerland, or will they be caught? And what will happen to Gittel and Lotte? This story, now a First Bullseye Book, is an excellent fictional introduction to the Holocaust for young children. It has plenty of drama and suspense, and the danger is clearly portrayed, but there is no overly descriptive gore that can be scary. With its directness and simplicity, it is easy to digest by transitional readers. As one reviewer noted, this is a difficult story that must be told to children of this generation and future generations.
October 6, 2025
Author: Karen Ackerman
Recommended Age: 8-11
Date Published: 1994
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary:
When Hitler’s soldiers begin persecuting Jewish Austrians, Clara and her family must escape Austria before they are separated and sent to the horrible Nazi concentration camps.
Notes from The Radical Reader:
Noble Characters:
Clara is just a little girl with a loving Mama and Papa, an older sister named Marta, and her two beloved dolls. But when war comes to Austria, is Clara brave enough to join her family in the flight away from the Nazis?
Captivating Plots:
Betrayal by those they thought were friends. Yellow stars stitched to the coats of innocent children. Swastikas marking streets and walls. When Clara’s Jewish family is no longer safe in Austria, they must flee the country. That means leaving behind all of their beloved possessions, but never Mama’s precious candlesticks. Can Clara devise a way to protect the silver candlesticks, or will the Nazis take them too?
Elaborate Worlds:
Set before the beginning of World War II, the Jews of Austria have been hearing rumors of the deadly Nazi concentration camps. When Papa determines to escape Austria, Clara, Marta, and Mama set out on a dangerous journey to protect themselves and their family.
No profanity, violence, or sexual tension.
https://theradicalreader.com/the-nigh...
Recommended Age: 8-11
Date Published: 1994
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary:
When Hitler’s soldiers begin persecuting Jewish Austrians, Clara and her family must escape Austria before they are separated and sent to the horrible Nazi concentration camps.
Notes from The Radical Reader:
Noble Characters:
Clara is just a little girl with a loving Mama and Papa, an older sister named Marta, and her two beloved dolls. But when war comes to Austria, is Clara brave enough to join her family in the flight away from the Nazis?
Captivating Plots:
Betrayal by those they thought were friends. Yellow stars stitched to the coats of innocent children. Swastikas marking streets and walls. When Clara’s Jewish family is no longer safe in Austria, they must flee the country. That means leaving behind all of their beloved possessions, but never Mama’s precious candlesticks. Can Clara devise a way to protect the silver candlesticks, or will the Nazis take them too?
Elaborate Worlds:
Set before the beginning of World War II, the Jews of Austria have been hearing rumors of the deadly Nazi concentration camps. When Papa determines to escape Austria, Clara, Marta, and Mama set out on a dangerous journey to protect themselves and their family.
No profanity, violence, or sexual tension.
https://theradicalreader.com/the-nigh...
January 28, 2019
Lizzie gave this book its star rating, and I would concur. She read this yesterday while home sick and thought I would also like it. While definitely a lower reading level than I would choose for her (it has a very “first chapter book” feel), it is a really good introduction to WWII-era literature. Although I can’t find info to back it up, it seems that this historical fiction is based on a real family, as the book dedication reads, in part, “For Clara, in remembrance,” and includes an epliogue that informs readers what happened with each member of Clara’s family after the events in the book. As an introductory book to the horrors of this time, the author delicately and skillfully balances the difficult climate, particularly for Jews, with descriptions that are vague enough for the young reader for whom this has been written. Good for middle elementary ages.
November 30, 2017
This historical fiction chapter book, good for grades 2-4, showed me how even the smallest person can be the bravest. I love they way that this book was written and the idea of the young girl and her dolls bringing her family to safety really hit me. I love that something so small and to some people meaningless, literally saved this family from an unimaginable fate. Karen Ackerman has such a way with her words that beg you to keep reading.
April 22, 2019
Genre: Fiction/ Historical Realistic
Grade: 3rd-5th
World war 2 was a terrible war. This poor family was caught right in the middle of it. I could only imagine what it would be like to be a little girl to live during this time. For Clara she doesn't get to just imagine. She lived it. This story is sad and will keep you one your toes while you read. It also is a very quick read.
Grade: 3rd-5th
World war 2 was a terrible war. This poor family was caught right in the middle of it. I could only imagine what it would be like to be a little girl to live during this time. For Clara she doesn't get to just imagine. She lived it. This story is sad and will keep you one your toes while you read. It also is a very quick read.
March 9, 2022
I think this was the first book I ever read about World War II. I was in third grade. It’s very interesting to revisit it now. There was so much more detail in here than I remember. A lot went over my head when I was a kid. And yet there were so many moments that I still remember to this day.
July 18, 2023
Read for Choose Your Own Fantasy Adventure Readathon
A potion bottle- Read a book that you never see on others’ TBRs.
This book is a fantastic way to introduce the Holocaust to younger audiences. “To freedom, and to the courage required to keep it.”
A potion bottle- Read a book that you never see on others’ TBRs.
This book is a fantastic way to introduce the Holocaust to younger audiences. “To freedom, and to the courage required to keep it.”
January 21, 2024
This is a great book to have your younger children read and learn a bit of what it was like to be around in the time of war; I thought I would hate this book, but as I read on, I realized this one was an amazing story worth keeping.
June 17, 2017
A great short story that allowed my students to create interest in our Holocaust unit.
May 22, 2018
Quick read about a family escaping Austria during Hitler's reign. My students enjoyed this book.
March 15, 2019
It was okay
July 10, 2022
Great children's book of the trials of the Nazi regime.
August 1, 2022
A short novel describing a Jewish Austrian family's escape to Switzerland before they were taken away by the Nazis.
January 10, 2023
A simple story of a Jewish girl and her journey to Switzerland to flee Nazi Austria. A great quick read or a simple read for someone just learning about the holocaust.
July 6, 2024
Great book to slowly introduce young children to the topic of Holocaust. Simply tells of a family's successful escape and includes some dangerous close encounters with Nazis.
December 30, 2024
This is a short book with a good story introducing lower elementary children to WWII and the plight of the Jews. Family oriented and a good ending.
(My cover was different)
(My cover was different)
April 19, 2019
Historical Fiction
Grade level: 4-6
I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about this time period and events that happened. I was intrigued at the ways two dolls had the power to save a family's life. It was all about luck and what you had to offer if you were going to live.
Grade level: 4-6
I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about this time period and events that happened. I was intrigued at the ways two dolls had the power to save a family's life. It was all about luck and what you had to offer if you were going to live.
October 27, 2011
Summary: "The Night Crossing" is a short story about a young Austrian girl, Clara, and her family, who must escape the invading/occupying Nazi's during World War II. Her family must sell all their belongings so they have enough money to leave their homeland and make their trek to Switzerland to escape the Nazi occupation.
Age Range: Intermediate to Advanced
Artistic Elements: The book contains large text and a small amount of black and white, but very detailed drawings.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book for young children as an introduction to World War II and the circumstances that children and families had to endure to escape the evils of the German Nazis. A well-written personal story about one family and what they must overcome to remain a family and remain together.
Age Range: Intermediate to Advanced
Artistic Elements: The book contains large text and a small amount of black and white, but very detailed drawings.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book for young children as an introduction to World War II and the circumstances that children and families had to endure to escape the evils of the German Nazis. A well-written personal story about one family and what they must overcome to remain a family and remain together.
May 25, 2013
WHAT PRICE FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY?
This story is not about crossing an ocoiena or a river, but the border--over the mountains. How much must one sacrifice to keep the twin treasures of life and liberty in Nazi Europe? Not exactly The Sound of Music minus the score, but...a good, short read. A brave Jewish family, with two quick-witted daughters, is determined to escape Austria in 1938, before they are relocated to a concentration camp. This story provides a brief introduction to elementary children about World War II racial atrocities but without the gore. Many historical details are quietly woven into this modest tale of familial effort to cling to keep their fmakly intact. This book should stimulate questions and interest in the Holocaust--a topic which some schoola shunned to teach.)
(October 1, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
This story is not about crossing an ocoiena or a river, but the border--over the mountains. How much must one sacrifice to keep the twin treasures of life and liberty in Nazi Europe? Not exactly The Sound of Music minus the score, but...a good, short read. A brave Jewish family, with two quick-witted daughters, is determined to escape Austria in 1938, before they are relocated to a concentration camp. This story provides a brief introduction to elementary children about World War II racial atrocities but without the gore. Many historical details are quietly woven into this modest tale of familial effort to cling to keep their fmakly intact. This book should stimulate questions and interest in the Holocaust--a topic which some schoola shunned to teach.)
(October 1, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
January 29, 2024
Clara's family is Jewish. Soon after the Nazis annex Austria in 1938, the persecution begins with midnight arrests, vandalism, and burglaries. Months earlier there had been laughter and jokes in Clara’s house. Now, nights are filled with fearful whispers. Then, Clara overhears her father saying, “We must leave Austria now, before it is too late.” Papa sells their belongings for cash to bribe the guards at the Swiss border. Mother will carry their one satchel. Anything the girls want to take must be worn or carried in their coats. Clara takes her grandmother’s dolls, Gittel and Lotte and volunteers to hide the family’s precious silver candlesticks in the dolls’ straw stuffing. The family cuts off their yellow stars and sets out under the cover of darkness. At the Swiss border, Clara must lie to protect herself and her family.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
February 28, 2008
Young Clara and her sister Marta do not understand the grown-ups’ talk of Hitler and the Nazis. Clara does know that people in her neighborhood have been hurt and many have left. One afternoon Clara and Marta are chased by an angry mob of boys and Clara realizes she, too, is in danger. Yet when Papa begins selling the family’s furniture and other belongings, Clara is afraid this means the family is leaving.
Clara and her family escape Austria and go to Switzerland. Along the way Clara encounters helpful people and people who would harm her. Clara herself helps save the family’s Sabbath candlesticks, the only treasure they smuggled out of Austria.
This is one of the few books written for early readers that addresses WWII and the Jews. This is a good place to start.
Clara and her family escape Austria and go to Switzerland. Along the way Clara encounters helpful people and people who would harm her. Clara herself helps save the family’s Sabbath candlesticks, the only treasure they smuggled out of Austria.
This is one of the few books written for early readers that addresses WWII and the Jews. This is a good place to start.
Read
May 3, 2016I love stumbling across books I read as a kid! I've been trying to remember the name of this one, but it escaped me until, I was looking at Song and Dance Man and saw the cover in the line of other books by that author. I definitely read this during my classic elementary girl reading-about-tragedy phase. Lots of Holocaust fiction, lots of Titanic stuff. I definitely remember parts of this book super clearly, so it definitely made an impression. I'll try and re-read it soon and then hopefully make children at the library read it!
February 7, 2013
Short, sweet, and to the point.
That's the singular sentence I'd use to describe this book.
I think that it's mainly directed towards a younger age, but history lovers of any age would still appreciate this book. Clara's young view of the early Holocaust, though, can be a bit frustrating, as it doesn't especially explain what exactly is going on, and I would recommend it for younger readers that already know a thing or two about the Holocaust.
Overall, a very quick read (I read it in the span of some 30 minutes, give or take), and I would gladly say that it was worth my time.
That's the singular sentence I'd use to describe this book.
I think that it's mainly directed towards a younger age, but history lovers of any age would still appreciate this book. Clara's young view of the early Holocaust, though, can be a bit frustrating, as it doesn't especially explain what exactly is going on, and I would recommend it for younger readers that already know a thing or two about the Holocaust.
Overall, a very quick read (I read it in the span of some 30 minutes, give or take), and I would gladly say that it was worth my time.
April 12, 2015
The Night Crossing is by Karen Ackerman and is a historical fiction. The book is intended for ages 9-12 and I read it as an e-book. The book is about a young girl named Clara who's family is no longer safe in there town in Austria. The Nazi's are taking over their town and are capturing all the Jewish people. I really enjoyed this book. I just took my daughters to The Holocaust Museum in D.C. so I think this story was right on target. It once again shows the strength of a young girl and how her willingness not give up helps her family to safety. It is a must read for all young girls.
June 9, 2011
I used this for Literature Circles in my 4th grade class. It was a good book for students who needed a simpler book but still in the survivial genre and went along with Number the Stars, another book my kids were reading. I liked this book for it's descriptions of events taking place during actual events and showing how a family was trying to escape the Nazis. It's a simplistic understanding but it lead to great discussions in my groups.
December 7, 2012
Loved this! It's really short and simple but has a deep meaning and goes into the life of a young Jewish girl during the Holocaust. I would use this book in the class to teach about what Jewish families went through during the Holocaust. It is also a great book for students that are transitioning from picture books to chapter books because it has a few illustrations but the story has to be read in order to really know what’s going on in it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews