For the child grappling with difficult historical truths, this poignant novel explores courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity during World War II.
When a child is ready to understand the immense human cost of historical events like the Holocaust, this book provides a personal and accessible entry point. "Rachel" tells the story of a young Jewish girl in Denmark forced to flee her home alone when the Nazis invade. Her perilous journey to neutral Sweden is a testament to the power of courage and the kindness of strangers. The novel directly addresses themes of fear, loss, and profound injustice, but focuses on the protagonist's resilience. Appropriate for ages 10 to 14, it's a powerful tool for building empathy and starting conversations about prejudice and perseverance.
Sustained tension, life-or-death situations, and threat of capture by soldiers.
Character DeathModerate
Family members are lost; their deaths are implied but not shown.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the Holocaust and anti-Semitic persecution. The approach to death is realistic but not graphic; the fate of loved ones is often unknown or implied, which creates significant emotional weight. The resolution is bittersweet and realistic: Rachel survives and finds safety, but she is an orphan and a refugee, forever changed by her trauma. The tone is hopeful in its focus on her resilience.
Ideal Reader
An emotionally mature 11 to 14 year old who is studying World War II and is ready to move beyond introductory texts. This is for a child who can handle sustained peril and themes of loss, and who is interested in stories of individual courage and survival in the face of systemic evil.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the Holocaust and the specific situation in Denmark. The book can be read without extensive prior knowledge, but the emotional impact will be greater with context. Previewing the scenes of family separation may be wise. A post-reading conversation about resilience, loss, and the choices people make under pressure is essential. A parent wants to introduce the history of the Holocaust through a personal, narrative lens, rather than a textbook. Or, their child has come home from school with difficult questions about Nazis, prejudice, or war and is seeking to understand the human experience behind the facts.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the survival and adventure elements: the scary boat ride, the close calls, and Rachel’s cleverness. An older reader (12-14) will better grasp the profound psychological toll, the moral complexity of the helpers, and the devastating weight of being a survivor.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many Holocaust novels for this age range that focus on hiding (Anne Frank) or concentration camps ("The Devil's Arithmetic"), "Rachel" is a story of flight and escape. Its focus on the Danish resistance and the specific sea rescue to Sweden offers a unique and historically significant perspective on the period, highlighting a story of collective, national bravery.
Read plot summary
Rachel is a young Jewish girl living in Denmark during the Nazi occupation. When the order comes for the deportation of Denmark's Jews, her family is forced to flee. In the chaos of the escape, Rachel is separated from her family and must make the harrowing journey to safety in Sweden by herself, relying on her wits and the help of the Danish resistance.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Rachel relies on many strangers for help. Why do you think people like the fisherman risked their own lives to help her and others? What would you have done in their situation?
2
At the beginning of the book, Rachel is a normal girl who loves her family. How does she change throughout her journey? What new strengths does she discover in herself?
3
Rachel has to hide her Star of David necklace. What did this star represent to her, and why was it so dangerous yet important for her to keep it?
4
The book ends with Rachel safe in Sweden, but she has lost her family. Do you consider this a happy ending? Why or why not? What do you think happens to her next?
