Katarina

Katarina is a red-haired 7 1/2 year old left with her Aunt Lena during the Nazi occupation of her native Slovakia during World War II. She proves to be resourceful and brave when events force her to leave the relative safety of her aunt's home. We see the war through the experiences and eyes of the naive Katarina who becomes confused about her religious identity while hiding in an orphanage. I highly recommend this touching novel to young adults and adults interested in a first hand account (fictionalized) about the war experience told from the perspective of a young Jewish orphan.

Katarina was a touching novel of a young girl and her pursuit to find her beloved Aunt Lena during the War. She had no idea what Jewish really meant, and didn't understand why they were any different, being non-observant Jews and celebrating Christian holidays. Frustrated and scared she is forced to hide in a peasant household. The weeks turn into months, and when her Judaism is discovered, she is asked to leave. Katarina wanders alone from village to village, driven by the belief that when she returns home, everyone she once loved will await her by the end of the war.

I couldn't put this book down! It had a great plot and wonderful characters. It was a beautiful example of the war through a young girls eyes. If you like adventure and emotion you will love this book. This book really made me think about the simple joys of life. Above all it was a great read!

I had just received this book for a book report, and read it in a matter of 2 hours, give or take an hour, and couldn't keep my eyes off of its pages. This book explores the hardships of what this girl named Katarina had to face, and seemed to succeed, without a doubt. I was surprised to find out, this was a true story.

I love this book! It reminded me of " To kill a mocking bird". A true war story seen through child's perspective, warm,delightful,heart-braking, touching and - it should win a Pulitzer prize. Please read it.