The experiences of 15 children who survived the Holocaust in hiding are presented here within the historical context of the Nazi rise to power and World War II. These youngsters were sheltered in a variety of private homes and institutions by "righteous Gentiles," family friends, and those simply looking for additional money; some were resented, some treated compassionately, and others mistreated and abused physically. Greenfeld has interviewed these survivors, who are now living in the U.S., and has recorded their memories. Both the mundane and the unusual are remembered; the most commonly described feelings are the fear that family members would perish and the sense of guilt at having survived while others did not. There are reminiscences of narrow escapes and poignant remembered pleasures of edible treats. While the chronological arrangement of the book makes it difficult to follow a specific child's story (it is possible by using the excellent index), it succeeds admirably in allowing readers to place the experiences described within the framework of the Holocaust. An excellent selection of black-and-white photographs and an open design contribute to making this an important and accessible resource.

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Documentary