The Singer of Terezin

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

It's 1943. Eva and her sister have been separated from their parents and sent to live in a girl’s home in the walled city of Terezín, where thousands of other Czech Jews face hunger, disease, and fear of transport to the unknown “East.”

Despite this, Eva believes her parents are alive, and she is desperate to find a way to reach them. The one bright spot for Eva is the children's opera, being staged by a famous Jewish composer who is also imprisoned in the city. When the Nazis learn about the opera, they see it as an opportunity to spin their mistreatment of those in camps and ghettos into propaganda, especially to ease the concerns of the Red Cross.

When news spreads that the Red Cross is coming to a performance, Eva believes it is her chance to tell the whole world about the horrible things happening behind the ghetto walls and perhaps reunite with her parents. How will she and her fellow performers be able to make them understand the truth of the situation in Terezín?

Based on the true story of the Brundibár opera, this upper middle grade novel for ages 10-14 is an example in how humanity can be found even in the most inhumane places. A historical note at the end, written by Holocaust education director Ilyse Shainbrown, goes into further detail about the Terezín camp's history.

"A masterfully woven, deeply moving story of remembering who you are, even in the face of unimaginable loss. Raw. Real. Unforgettable. I couldn't put it down, and I didn't want it to end. This book will stay with you long after the last page."

—Elisa Boxer, Emmy-winning journalist and two-time Sydney Taylor Honor author

"What a warm and lively character Eva Vrabcová is! With courage and creativity, she survives the deprivations and horrors of Terezín, and helps those around her to do so as well. In The Singer of Terezín, Lisa Gerlits has crafted a story of hope that does not shrink from the truth yet is appropriate for young readers."

—Ellen Schwartz, award-winning author of Friends to the Rescue

"Music is hope; Children should be caring about schooling at the ages of 12, 13, and 14. No child should feel fear from men in black boots; no child should ever live in fear. The starvation, and food rationing, and watching ones Mama plead for life. The Mama sat on the bench, and the Nazi’s laughed; Mama turned to look at her daughter as her eyes went wide. The truck drove away. My heart ripped apart, and I remember the last time I saw my mother...the story is compelling and heartbreaking. I encourage you all to read The Singer of Terezín."

—Fanny Starr, Holocaust survivor