All Aboard for Freedom

by Marie McSwigan

A group of Czechoslovakians, including five orphan children, plan and carry out an escape from the Communists and into West Germany and freedom.

Genres: Historical Fiction

249 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

A life-long writer, Ms. McSwigan wrote for several Pittsburgh newspapers and worked in publicity for many area institutions, including Kennywood Park and the University of Pittsburgh, before in 1947 she devoted all of her time to writing. Her first book was a biography of the primitive painter John Kane, who became popular after his death and on account of McSwigan's book. She was an award winning writer of more than 10 children's books. She died of leukemia and is buried at Calvary Roman Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh.

Reviews

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very exciting adventure, and it was especially interesting that it was based on actual events. I loved the children's different personalities and their determination to stay together, and I felt myself getting hopeful and discouraged and frustrated right alongside Fran as he tried to plan their escape. I also liked the bits of background about Millie's Underground work and her connection with their parents. <3

There were a couple of stylistic things that bugged me a little, especially the way we were told the characters' thoughts even when they were pretty obvious. Also, the consistent use of quotes when anyone referenced 'they' (the Communist government) just about drove my eyes batty! XP But even with those quibbles, this is definitely a worthwhile story with a great message. :)

4 stars

Content--mentions of arrests, etc. by the repressive Communist government; mentions of guns and threats; a few uses of "golly" and "gee"; mentions of various Catholic practices (praying to Mary, shrines, going to mass, etc.)

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Snow Treasure, which was one of Mike's childhood favorites, because I bought it for the book shower that Courtney hosted for Summer. And then I read about this one and decided to buy it for them and read it too.
Both books are based on true stories. So I guess that's what makes All Aboard more chilling to me.
It is set in the early 1950s, after Czechoslovakia, after they had been taken over by the Russians and had lost their freedoms. The "thought" police and the loss of freedoms remind me of what's happening in this country right now, with "political correctness" and the food laws being passed for our own good. Anyone who thinks Communism/Socialism is a good thing should read this book. It's told from a 13 year old orphan boy's perspective.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

1951, Czechoslovakia. When the Communist government threatens to send the five orphan children that Ludmila Novak cares for away to separate boarding schools, the eldest boy, thirteen-year-old Fran, is determined to find a way to stay together — even if that means somehow escaping from Czechoslovakia itself. How he comes up with a plan and carries it out makes a very exciting story.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story for young people to help understand the impact communism had on the countries and citizens, as well as the brave attempts and successes at escape.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, just an incredible story. And a fictionalized account from a true story of escaping from Communist Czechoslavoki. You will cheer.