Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pages
231
Description
Biography & Autobiography. History. Juvenile Nonfiction. Religion & Spirituality. HTML:"Much like The Boy In the Striped Pajamas or The Book Thief," this remarkable memoir from Leon Leyson, one of the youngest children to survive the Holocaust on Oskar Schindler's list, "brings to readers a story of bravery and the fight for a chance to live" (VOYA). This, the only memoir published by a former Schindler's list child, perfectly captures the innocence of a small boy who goes through the unthinkable. Leon Leyson (born Leib Lezjon) was only ten years old when the Nazis invaded Poland and his family was forced to relocate to the Krakow ghetto. With incredible luck, perseverance, and grit, Leyson was able to survive the sadism of the Nazis, including that of the demonic Amon Goeth, commandant of Plaszow, the concentration camp outside Krakow. Ultimately, it was the generosity and cunning of one man, Oskar Schindler, who saved Leon Leyson's life, and the lives of his mother, his father, and two of his four siblings, by adding their names to his list of workers in his factory�??a list that became world renowned: Schindler's list. Told with an abundance of dignity and a remarkable lack of rancor and venom, The Boy on the Wooden Box is a legacy of hope, a memoir unlike anything you've ever re… (more)
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2013
Physical description
231 p.; 7.6 inches
ISBN
1442497823 / 9781442497825
UPC
884641071366
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User reviews
LibraryThing member Whisper1
Consistently, as intelligent people, we struggle with the concept of evil, and of good, the night and day of the human condition. Oskar Schindler, hero to 1,200 Jews saved by his tenacity and indomitable spirit, was a complex man who was a Nazi. He made millions, and through his wheeling and
Using Jews on the assembly lines was a real bargain because their labor, unlike their right to live peacefully, was free. A snappy dresser overseeing those who wore rags, a married man who fathered three illegitimate children, a drinker with a love of excitement and parties, somehow experienced a sea change.
Using his money to bride Hitler's henchmen, consistently he went above and beyond, at the risk of his own peril, to do the right thing in a difficult situation.
Placing his own life in a vulnerable position, he continued to save as many as possible from certain death.
Leon Leyson died in 2013, not knowing if this book would be published. He held the unique distinction of being the youngest person who worked in his factory and, despite incredible odds, survived to tell the story.
As Hitler's intentions became clear, those who did not flee beforehand, now witnessed unspeakable, non understandable terror. Through Leon's eyes, his remarkable story unfolds. Living in the squalor of the ghetto, watching helpless as his brother was taken away and his father beaten, listening to gun shots day after day, while hearing second hand tales of just how far Hitler would go to rid Germany of the Jews, his good fortune was to have his name, and family members on Schlindler's list.
Malnourished, his skeletal frame was placed on the top of a box, allowing him to perform duties assigned. While there was never enough food for all, and living with the realization that at any point in time the Nazi's could collect him, incredibly he survived because of one man who cared to make a difference.
As Germany was losing and Russia was advancing, Schindler was in danger. Before escaping he gave each worker a bottle of vodka and a bolt of material to use as bargaining tools to help get to freedom.
Eventually Leon and some of his remaining family members came to America. His sister and a brother settled in Israel. He became a successful teacher and years after the horror, Leon spoke of Schindler to all who would listen.
Highly Recommended. Four Stars
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dealing, he soon found a way to manufacture what Germany needed to continue their war effort. Using Jews on the assembly lines was a real bargain because their labor, unlike their right to live peacefully, was free. A snappy dresser overseeing those who wore rags, a married man who fathered three illegitimate children, a drinker with a love of excitement and parties, somehow experienced a sea change.
Using his money to bride Hitler's henchmen, consistently he went above and beyond, at the risk of his own peril, to do the right thing in a difficult situation.
Placing his own life in a vulnerable position, he continued to save as many as possible from certain death.
Leon Leyson died in 2013, not knowing if this book would be published. He held the unique distinction of being the youngest person who worked in his factory and, despite incredible odds, survived to tell the story.
As Hitler's intentions became clear, those who did not flee beforehand, now witnessed unspeakable, non understandable terror. Through Leon's eyes, his remarkable story unfolds. Living in the squalor of the ghetto, watching helpless as his brother was taken away and his father beaten, listening to gun shots day after day, while hearing second hand tales of just how far Hitler would go to rid Germany of the Jews, his good fortune was to have his name, and family members on Schlindler's list.
Malnourished, his skeletal frame was placed on the top of a box, allowing him to perform duties assigned. While there was never enough food for all, and living with the realization that at any point in time the Nazi's could collect him, incredibly he survived because of one man who cared to make a difference.
As Germany was losing and Russia was advancing, Schindler was in danger. Before escaping he gave each worker a bottle of vodka and a bolt of material to use as bargaining tools to help get to freedom.
Eventually Leon and some of his remaining family members came to America. His sister and a brother settled in Israel. He became a successful teacher and years after the horror, Leon spoke of Schindler to all who would listen.
Highly Recommended. Four Stars
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LibraryThing member Backus2
Leon Leyson was ten years old when the Nazis took over his city. His world flipped upside down; everything that made sense to him, disappeared, and his greatest nightmares came true. With the loss of family members, and the tortures that Jews dealt with, this young boy, who is still alive today,
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trusts us with his words. After six years, this Jewish boy was finally freed. His survival, he believes, is because of one man, a man that put his life in jeopardy, and helped the Jews because it was the right thing to do; this man was a true hero. Show Less
LibraryThing member ewyatt
This memoir of Leon Leyson, youngest person on Schindler's List, is conversational in tone. Leon recounts his story from the beginnings of Germany's aggression toward Poland and throughout the war. A quick, compelling read.
LibraryThing member alsparks324
Excellent memoir telling the story of surviving the Holocaust with the help of Oskar Schindler. Leon Leyson tells his story of survival and near misses growing up as a Jew in Nazi overrun Poland during WWII. Amazing account of the cruelty and hardship of this time.
LibraryThing member lindamamak
The memoir of a survivor of the Polish Holocaust whose family was saved by Oskar Schindler. Through the eyes of a young boy the hardship or the Jewish persercution in Polland is shared with heartbreak frankness.
LibraryThing member acargile
This is a 2014 Lone Star selection. It is a memoir of Leon Leyson, a Jew, who worked for Schindler during World War II.
The story begins before the war, but Jews are already being mistreated in Europe. Leon’s father and brother get a job in Warsaw, but he can’t afford to bring the family there
Leon is no longer allowed to attend school, so he needs to learn a skill. Schindler hires most of Leon’s family. As the Nazi take more and more Jews away, Schindler insists on “his” people remaining in his factory to do the work, heroically saving them. The people on the list are known as “Schindler’s List,” and there’s a famous movie about him that you may want to watch when you get older.
Throughout the memoir, Leon barely escapes danger. He’s very brave and often saves himself by attempting a dangerous move that, if caught, would send him to the concentration camp. This is an engaging book that I would think most people would find captivating. It’s the true story of a Jewish boy in Warsaw, saved by Schindler. The reader learns what it was like to live in the ghetto and in a camp. I highly recommend reading this book.
The story begins before the war, but Jews are already being mistreated in Europe. Leon’s father and brother get a job in Warsaw, but he can’t afford to bring the family there
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for a few years. When they finally move to Warsaw, they have a pretty good life. They enjoy their living accommodations and the skills they have learned. When Jews begin to be persecuted, they find themselves in the Warsaw Ghetto, as all Jews must live there. Routinely, people disappear or are rounded up, but they don’t know where they go. Leon is no longer allowed to attend school, so he needs to learn a skill. Schindler hires most of Leon’s family. As the Nazi take more and more Jews away, Schindler insists on “his” people remaining in his factory to do the work, heroically saving them. The people on the list are known as “Schindler’s List,” and there’s a famous movie about him that you may want to watch when you get older.
Throughout the memoir, Leon barely escapes danger. He’s very brave and often saves himself by attempting a dangerous move that, if caught, would send him to the concentration camp. This is an engaging book that I would think most people would find captivating. It’s the true story of a Jewish boy in Warsaw, saved by Schindler. The reader learns what it was like to live in the ghetto and in a camp. I highly recommend reading this book.
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LibraryThing member cfranson
This is an important work that could be paired well with WWII curriculum. Leyson’s memoir is an account of his life and how it was shattered by the Holocaust. Being the youngest person on Oskar Schindler’s list his tale is a revealing and heartbreaking account of life in the factory and during
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this time. The story is a little slow at times but it really is one that every child should read. The last chapter and epilogue brings Leyson’s audience past his release from the factory through his life up until 2012. It is great to see the photographs of him at the end of the book. Recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member HelenGress
This memoir recounts the story of Schindler's list-- as lived by a young boy whose family was saved by Schindler. Their story, like all haulocaust survivers' tales is heartwrenching. I was very struck by his admission that when they got to America, he found it imposible to have conversations with
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anyone about his experiences. They had no frame of reference. He didn't make his story known till after the movie was released. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mad.River.Librarian
Hand this book to every middle school student you know: it is a must read. I simply couldn't put this heart-wretching, but ultimately, uplifting memoir down. Leon Leyson survived 6 years (from age 10 to 16) in Nazi-occupied Poland, saved by Oskar Schindler.
LibraryThing member Merryann
The author had an amazingly deft touch...a way to describe his experiences during World War II with incredible clarity, yet in a way that did not overwhelm me and make me 'shut down' and become unable to read. Very worthwhile book. I'm glad I read it. This review is a waste of your time to read
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(sorry) because I just can't find the words to express how important I think this book is. Hopefully, you'll read it yourself and write a better review. Show Less
LibraryThing member And17Doza
This memoir is an excellent view on what the holocaust was truly like. It was an in-depth story from the eyes of Leon Leyson, a survivor of the horror of the holocaust.
It is a heart-wrenching and heart-warming tale as it shows that even in the midst of true evil and cruelty, here is still kindness
I found this book to be a good read, especially for middle-school level and above. Even though this book speaks about grim topics , it wasn't so overwhelming that it made me want to stop reading. The book while also informational, was full of suspense, leaving you wondering what would happen next and if the protagonist would survive.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested about a first person view of the holocaust and anyone who is looking for a good story.
It is a heart-wrenching and heart-warming tale as it shows that even in the midst of true evil and cruelty, here is still kindness
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and heroism, as with Oskar Schindler, a hero disguised as a monster.I found this book to be a good read, especially for middle-school level and above. Even though this book speaks about grim topics , it wasn't so overwhelming that it made me want to stop reading. The book while also informational, was full of suspense, leaving you wondering what would happen next and if the protagonist would survive.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested about a first person view of the holocaust and anyone who is looking for a good story.
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LibraryThing member Ekelle8
This book is a memoir about Leon Leyson (author) and how he was one of the youngest children to survive the Holocaust on Oskar Schindler’s list. The young Leon underwent serious suffering during this time, but Oscar Schindler saved his life, as well as his mother, his father, and two of his four
I enjoyed this book for a lot of reasons. The biggest reason I enjoyed this book was that it was a book that involved a historical event like the Holocaust. I like that this book has a historical background because it will help introduce students to the idea of the holocaust through a different resource besides the text book. Also I enjoyed way the book was written even though the situation was a little intense in the book it was written for about a third to fourth grade student to read it. Also I really enjoyed that the story was a memoir, which gave it a little different of a look than a third person perspective of something serious like the Holocaust. That is why I enjoyed the book entitled The Boy on the Wooden Box.
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siblings’ lives by adding their names to his list of workers in his factory—a list that became world renowned: Schindler’s List.I enjoyed this book for a lot of reasons. The biggest reason I enjoyed this book was that it was a book that involved a historical event like the Holocaust. I like that this book has a historical background because it will help introduce students to the idea of the holocaust through a different resource besides the text book. Also I enjoyed way the book was written even though the situation was a little intense in the book it was written for about a third to fourth grade student to read it. Also I really enjoyed that the story was a memoir, which gave it a little different of a look than a third person perspective of something serious like the Holocaust. That is why I enjoyed the book entitled The Boy on the Wooden Box.
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LibraryThing member Kate_Schulte078
This world be a good book to use when talking about the Holocaust or when taking about how good deeds can change the lives of many. I think children will appreciate this book because the are around the same age as the protagonist and will try to put themselves in his shoes.
LibraryThing member Sullywriter
In this vivid, moving memoir Leyson chronicles how he and much of his immediate family survived the Holocaust thanks to Oskar Schindler. A great addition to Holocaust literature for young people.
LibraryThing member jennifermary
Excellent - large font - small boy from Poland recounts the horror of his life during WW11 - survives thanks to Schindler's List.
LibraryThing member indygo88
Leon Leyson was one of the children who survived the Holocaust due to the influence of Oskar Schindler, and reading about his story has made me want to go back & re-watch Schindler's List. The writing is fairly simple & straightforward without some of the "drama" of many other Holocaust novels and
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memoirs, but I had to remind myself that this was written for a young adult audience. This is a good factual and informational memoir, recommended for either older or younger readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member klburnside
The Boy on the Wooden Box is an autobiography by a Holocaust survivor who worked in Oskar Schindler's factory as a boy and was rescued from probable death on numerous occasions through the efforts of Schindler.
It is written for young adults and is very accessible. Leyson traces his life through
It is written for young adults and is very accessible. Leyson traces his life through
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his early childhood in Poland, to his relocation to the Krakow ghetto, to time he spent in a work camp before being able to work at Schindler's factory. The story is of course very sad, but at the same time engaging. Show Less
LibraryThing member Itzey
Junior Library Guild Selection
Young Adult Book Ages 9-14
Highly Recommended
"Not even the scariest of fairy tales could have prepared me for the monsters I would confront while just a boy of ten…or the hero, disguised as a monster himself, who would save my life."
We meet Leon Layson as a young
Leon, the young Jewish child, unskilled and uneducated, incredibly survives against all odds, to be a witness to the horrors of the Holocaust. For forty eight years he couldn't believe anyone would be interested in his story. When the movie, Schindler's List introduced Oskar Schindler and his heroic efforts to the world, Leon knew it was time to reveal his deepest secrets.
"Oskar Schindler thought my life had value. He thought I was worth saving, even when giving me a chance to live put his own life in peril. Now it's my turn to do what I can for him…This is the story of my life and how it intersected with his."
What makes Leon's story so special is the care he has taken to tell us what it was like to be a little boy, separated from his parents sometimes for months, forced to live an unimaginable life. This courageous child never gave up. And he would be the first to admit just plain lucky.
When most people think of the Holocaust they envision humiliated, tortured and dehumanized Jews packed into cattle cars. They picture rows upon rows of emaciated and poorly clothed bodies stuffed onto wooden barrack bunks. You don't dare look deeply into their vacant eyes to see their memories and lost lives. You can't begin to understand where they find their strong will to live one more minute, one more hour, and one more day.
As the world regained control in Europe, the battle sounds receded and the crematoriums stopped spewing souls to the sky, questions were asked. Why didn't the Jews fight back? Why didn't they see this coming and prepare ways to save themselves and their families? What was life like for those that survived trying to find out what happened to those closest to them?
Leon takes us gently by the hand and tells his story in his own words. It is not an easy story to read but written carefully and truthfully without overly graphic scenes. There is no good way to describe brutality, murder, starvation, and random torture. Many, however, will be surprised by the number of times he told of tiny ways the downtrodden lifted each other's spirits or showed the courage to resist.
Little Leyson also shows us that we can never forget but we must go on living. He and his parents moved to the US. He began an American citizen, was drafted into military service during the Korean War. Using GIs bill benefits; he obtained a collage degree, found the love of his life, and enjoyed over 30 years as a high school teacher.
But he never forgot…
Young Adult Book Ages 9-14
Highly Recommended
"Not even the scariest of fairy tales could have prepared me for the monsters I would confront while just a boy of ten…or the hero, disguised as a monster himself, who would save my life."
We meet Leon Layson as a young
Show More
child racing barefoot through meadows, skinny dipping in the river and pulling childish pranks to pass the idyllic early days of youth. This high spirited and curious child moved from his mountain village to the big city of Krakow when he was eight years old. He easily made friends with Gentile and Jewish children his age. Surrounded by the deep abiding love of parents, and the freedom to explore his new urban world that now included indoor plumbing and streetcars, Leon could not have imagined or prepared for the evil heading his way. Leon, the young Jewish child, unskilled and uneducated, incredibly survives against all odds, to be a witness to the horrors of the Holocaust. For forty eight years he couldn't believe anyone would be interested in his story. When the movie, Schindler's List introduced Oskar Schindler and his heroic efforts to the world, Leon knew it was time to reveal his deepest secrets.
"Oskar Schindler thought my life had value. He thought I was worth saving, even when giving me a chance to live put his own life in peril. Now it's my turn to do what I can for him…This is the story of my life and how it intersected with his."
What makes Leon's story so special is the care he has taken to tell us what it was like to be a little boy, separated from his parents sometimes for months, forced to live an unimaginable life. This courageous child never gave up. And he would be the first to admit just plain lucky.
When most people think of the Holocaust they envision humiliated, tortured and dehumanized Jews packed into cattle cars. They picture rows upon rows of emaciated and poorly clothed bodies stuffed onto wooden barrack bunks. You don't dare look deeply into their vacant eyes to see their memories and lost lives. You can't begin to understand where they find their strong will to live one more minute, one more hour, and one more day.
As the world regained control in Europe, the battle sounds receded and the crematoriums stopped spewing souls to the sky, questions were asked. Why didn't the Jews fight back? Why didn't they see this coming and prepare ways to save themselves and their families? What was life like for those that survived trying to find out what happened to those closest to them?
Leon takes us gently by the hand and tells his story in his own words. It is not an easy story to read but written carefully and truthfully without overly graphic scenes. There is no good way to describe brutality, murder, starvation, and random torture. Many, however, will be surprised by the number of times he told of tiny ways the downtrodden lifted each other's spirits or showed the courage to resist.
Little Leyson also shows us that we can never forget but we must go on living. He and his parents moved to the US. He began an American citizen, was drafted into military service during the Korean War. Using GIs bill benefits; he obtained a collage degree, found the love of his life, and enjoyed over 30 years as a high school teacher.
But he never forgot…
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LibraryThing member jlsimon7
This book is extraordinary. I've read a lot of first had accounts of the holocaust. They all move me, but this one was truly inspiring. Leon tells how he and his family survived the Nazi purge of the Jewish people of Poland. He tells of his personal interactions with Schindler. He tells of his
This narrative is moving. It is emotionally overwhelming as the reader opens their heart and mind to the sights, smells, and sensations that envoked by Mr. Leyson's story. I would recommend this book to everyone, because there is no one who could not learn something from this book.
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families loss, and of their fight to survive. He then tells of his migration to the United States and what it was like to be exposed as a member of Schindler's list. This narrative is moving. It is emotionally overwhelming as the reader opens their heart and mind to the sights, smells, and sensations that envoked by Mr. Leyson's story. I would recommend this book to everyone, because there is no one who could not learn something from this book.
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LibraryThing member benuathanasia
What a touching and accessible memoir. It immediately had me pulling out my great love - Spielberg's Schindler's List, so I could cross-reference settings and events.
LibraryThing member GEMaguire
Memoir of Leib Lejzon (Leon Leyson), one of the people saved by Oskar Schindler. In the beginning Leon tells of his idyllic childhood before the start of WWll. Leon and his family move from their small village to Krakow. The move is a happy occasion until the German invasion. Leon explains how the
Grades:5-8
Classroom use: Social Studies/History, empathy, perseverance, good vs. evil, social responsibility, resilience and love. Foreshadowing/Retrospect, Memoir.
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Jewish people believed they were safe and the war would not last long. However, it is soon clear the life Leon and his family have had up to now is over. Graphic descriptions of horrible atrocities experienced and witness by Leon (beatings, shootings, constant hunger, overwhelming fear of death, and terrible living conditions). Leon tells his story simply and with great feeling. Grades:5-8
Classroom use: Social Studies/History, empathy, perseverance, good vs. evil, social responsibility, resilience and love. Foreshadowing/Retrospect, Memoir.
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LibraryThing member Prop2gether
The youngest boy on Schindler's list--his memoir is powerful and impossible to ignore.
LibraryThing member honeydew69862004
A great book about one boys experience with the holocaust. I could not put it down.
LibraryThing member heidimaxinerobbins
This is a memoir of the youngest person on Schindler's List. It is amazing to hear the story from the actual man who experienced it. He tells about the Ghetto, concentration camps, and working in Schindler's factory. It is amazing that most of his family is able to stay together. A couple of his
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brothers are not with the family, but the fact that any of his family was able to stay together during WWII is hardly ever heard of. He not only tells about what happened during the war, but what happened after. Show Less
LibraryThing member RoxieT
Reading about the atrocities of the Holocaust from the viewpoint of a child presented conflicting dual between tenderness and hate for me. A good read for history lovers.
Awards
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Award (Nominee — 2015)
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (Nominee — 2018)
Georgia Children's Book Award (Finalist — Grades 4-8 — 2015)
Sydney Taylor Book Award (Mass Import -- Pending Differentiation)
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Informational Books — 2015)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2015)
Vermont Golden Dome Book Award (Nominee)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Recommended — 2017)
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (Nominee — 2016)
Heartland Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature (Nominee — 2015)
Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee — Middle School — 2016)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Grades 6-9 — 2016)
Flicker Tale Award (Nominee — 2015)
YouPer Award (Winner — Winner — 2014)
New York Public Library Best Books: For Kids (Nonfiction — 2013)
Notable Children's Book (2014)
Nerdy Book Award (2013)
Teacher Favorites Award (2014)
Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults (Top Ten — 2014)
Texas Lone Star Reading List (2014)
Call number
J4E.Ley