A German Jew.
A fanatic member of the Hitler Youth.
Both were victims of the Nazi party – one more obvious than the other. Parallel Journeys by Eleanor Ayer, with Helen Waterford and Alfons Heck, tell the stories of these two young people, born just miles apart.
Helen Waterford managed to escape Nazi Germany for Holland, where she successfully hid from the Nazis for years, until her hiding place was betrayed and she ended up in Auschwitz.
Alfons Heck was just the right age for the brainwashing policies of Nazi Germany, and his dedication to the cause brought him promotion after promotion until he was a teenage commander of frontline troops.
Ayer tells both their stories, side-by-side in Parallel Journeys. Both are riveting, horrible, yet include admirable determination to survive World War II.
Highly recommended for ages 12 and up.
Cultivating Readers 