101 Books to Read Before You Die discussion

This is such a short book that I decided to combine the discussion into one thread. Please post your thoughts here.

I inadvertently read this right after another Holocaust novel, but the stories are so different in perspective that the ending effect was very different as well. The other story (The True Story of Hansel and Gretel) is intended to be hopeful, but oddly, I found this one much more uplifting and encouraging.

I never go around to reading this as a child, for some reason, and I don't know why, because it's quite well done, and does just the right balance of telling a serious story from a child's perspective TO a child, but in a way that isn't overwhelming and frightening, but rather serious and hopeful.

(possible spoiler warning) True, it does not end the way that many such stories did in that era, but it's the way they all SHOULD have ended, and it encourages a child to do what is right in the face of overwhelming odds. It's not from the dark perspective of an adult, true, so it has a tinge of an unrealistic feel, but it has parents that teach their children to do right, even in fear, even in the unknown. I think it's a book every child (and maybe every adult) should read. 5 stars for this children's book, from me at least.

I'm still reading Number the Stars and plan to come back here with my comments as soon as it's done! I'm just wondering when the November nominations and polls go up since October is almost done? Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this...

OK, now for my take on the book... I agree that it was very well told for children to explain to them the graveness of the situation without making it too violent or horrific.

I did think the ending was a bit abrupt.

Simple story on a big issue. I was hoping to read something like The Giver, but was surprised to find such a simple and lovely story on friendship. Like it a lot.

Sometimes I think the simplicity works best, especially in more challenging topics. I think it works very well in this case.