Train

Book excerpt: Over ten days in 1943 Berlin, six teenagers witness and try to escape the Nazi round-ups. This young adult thriller is based on real events and inspired by hidden stories of Nazi genocide. Giving voice to the unheard victims of Nazism — the Roma, the disabled, intermarried Jews, homosexuals, political enemies of the regime — this thriller will change how we think about Holocaust history. Suitable for age 13 and up, TRAIN is an edge-of-your-seat page-turner that will inspire and surprise students and adults alike. "A stunning achievement... From the start, TRAIN's historically grounded depiction of Hitler's young victims creates unrelenting compassion and suspense."— Dr. Phyllis Lassner, Holocaust scholar "TRAIN not only fills a gap in Holocaust literature; it is also powerful, moving, and hard to put down."— Alexis Storch, The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education "TRAIN will change the way we think about Holocaust history."— Ellen Rago, Social Studies Teacher "TRAIN is an essential read for Holocaust and Genocide educators, students, and anyone who believes in the profound power of brilliant storytelling, the resilience of the human spirit, and the need to shed light on and bring a voice to the often shadowed narratives of the Holocaust."— Kelley Szany, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center Marko screwed up. But he's good at swallowing his fear. By now, the 17-year-old 'Gypsy' should be far from Nazi Germany. By now, he should be with Alex. That's how they planned it. But while Marko has managed to escape the Gestapo, Alex has been arrested in the final round-ups of Berlin's Jews. Even worse, Marko's little cousin Kizzy is missing. And Marko knows he's to blame. Yet the tides of war are turning. With hundreds of Christian women gathered in the streets to protest the round-ups, the Nazis have suspended the trains to the camps. But for how long? Marko must act now. Against time, and with British warplanes bombing Berlin, Marko hatches a dangerous plan to rescue Alex and find Kizzy. There are three people who can help: Marko's sister with her connections to the Resistance, Alex's Catholic stepsister, and a mysterious Nazi girl with a deadly secret. But will Marko own up to how Kizzy disappeared? And then there's the truth about Alex — they just wouldn't understand.