Run, Boy, Run

by Uri Orlev

Run, Boy, Run is the extraordinary account of one boy’s survival of the Holocaust. Srulik is only eight years old when he finds himself all alone in the Warsaw ghetto. He escapes into the countryside where he spends the ensuing years hiding in the forest, dependent on the sympathies and generosity of the poor farmers in the surrounding area. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, several chases, captures, attempted executions, and even the loss of his arm, Srulik miraculously survives.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Holocaust, Young Adult, Fiction, Historical, War, World War II

186 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Uri Orlev (Hebrew: אורי אורלב‎; born Jerzy Henryk Orlowski in 1931) is an award-winning Israeli children's author and translator of Polish-Jewish origin. Born in Warsaw, Poland, he survived the war years in the Warsaw Ghetto and the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp (where he was sent after his mother was shot by the Nazis). After the war he moved to Israel. He began writing children's literature in 1976 and has since published over 30 books, which are often biographical. His books have been translated from Hebrew into 25 languages, while he himself has also translated Polish literature into Hebrew. One of his most famous books, which was also adapted as a play and as a film, is the semi-autobiographical The Island on Bird Street.

In 1996 Orlev received the Hans Christian Andersen Award for children's literature.

Reviews

[Tomáš · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pět hvězdiček je málo.
Ztratil jsem slova a veškeré názory.
Až tak moc mě to zasáhlo.
A tak rychle to uteklo.
A tolik se toho stalo.
Přečtěte si to, vůbec nad tím nepřemýšlejte.

[Padmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un bel libro per ragazzi sulla persecuzione degli ebrei del ghetto di Varsavia. La storia vera di Yoram Friedman, raccontata da Uri Orlev, Premio H.C. Andersen.
Risvolto
Una fuga senza fine e senza la nozione di un fine chiaro, certo, riposante. Solo per salvarsi la vita a tratti, per prendere respiro. Un bambino di otto anni, fuggito dal ghetto di Varsavia – dove ha visto sua madre sparire in un attimo come per una malefica magia – passa da un gruppo di ragazzi alla macchia, a case di contadini protettivi o malvagi e delatori, a soldati tedeschi spietati o umani; dorme sugli alberi, nelle tombe e, a forza di nasconderlo, arriva a dimenticare di essere ebreo. «Ti ordino di sopravvivere» gli aveva detto il padre prima di venire ucciso. E, per avere la forza di seguire quell'ordine, il ragazzo è costretto a cancellare il ricordo del suo passato, della madre e del paese della sua infanzia, come i continui addii del presente. Dimenticando, Yoram concentra tutta la sua energia nel momento in cui vive, povero, affamato, senza protezione, a un certo punto perfino senza un braccio, che il chirurgo si è rifiutato di curare, riconoscendolo ebreo. Ma la corsa prosegue, e ‘il bambino biondo senza un braccio’ rimane in mente come un’inesausta sfida alla morte. In Israele, dove oggi vive e insegna, Yoram Friedman ha raccontato la sua storia – perché questa è una storia vera – che Uri Orlev ha ascoltato dalla sua voce e scritto con commozione e intensa partecipazione. «Orlev ci mostra come i bambini possano sopravvivere senza amarezza in tempi duri e terribili». Premio H.C. Andersen, la giuria «I libri si possono paragonare ai bambini, anche loro si allontanano da te per prendere la propria strada. E come loro – sebbene in modo diverso – possono sorprenderti». Uri Orlev «Raccontare la Shoa guardandola con gli occhi di un bambino. Con innocenza, sincerità, persino con humour. È quello che fa Uri Orlev, scrittore sopravvissuto al lager, nei suoi bellissimi libri per ragazzi». Il Messaggero «La sua migliore qualità è un senso di umanità in condizioni disumane... La forza, in altre parole, non coincide con la durezza». The Guardian

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We started studying World War II, and so the kids are reading a lot about that time period. I’m attempting to keep up somewhat with their books so that we can discuss issues. My son (age 8) read Run, Boy, Run, a true story of a young boy who escaped the Warsaw ghetto and lived on the run until the end of the war. It’s an amazing story, and the references to difficult things are oblique enough that younger kids might not catch them.

I probably wouldn’t do this book as a read-aloud, but for independent reading to later discuss with a parent I think it’s a good choice. I had really good discussions with the older two kids based on this book, and my son especially seemed impacted by the story, since the main character started the war as an eight-year-old, which is my son's age. It was interesting to talk about whether my son would forget how his family looked and even our names if he had to run away and live off the land for years like the boy in the story did.

Read more of my reviews of books and read-alouds for kids on A Spirited Mind.

[Nana B C1]

In my opinion, Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev, was overall an interesting and an emotional book. In the beginning, the book was a bit boring, I almost considered returning it back to the library. Thank god for my patience, it only went uphill from there. With heartbreak, death, adventure, maintaining friendships, forced changes in belief, and huge challenges the protagonist faces. This story also gave me a lot of background information about how terribly difficult life was for runaway Jews in WW2. Additionally, the tone and the detail the author uses really brings out a sort of reality to it. One can really feel the mixed emotions the protagonist faces along his journey. The story about how the protagonist changes from Srulik to Jurek is a story one truly must read.

[Hannes Spitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

mitreißende Abenteuergeschichte vor dem Hintergrund historischer Ereignisse, dem Warschauer Ghetto, dem 2. Weltkrieg und der Shoah. Schnörkellos erzählt in einfacher Sprache, deswegen wohl auch ein ausgewiesenes Jugendbuch... Dann bin ich noch Jugendlicher...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obwohl das Buch ohne viele Details erzählt wird, hat es mich doch angesprochen und ich konnte mir alles bildlich vorstellen. Eine beeindruckende Geschichte über einen kleinen Jungen und seinen unbändigen Überlebenswillen.

[Mandy R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wahnsinn, dass dieses Buch auf einer wahren Geschichte beruht. Was für ein starker Junge der kleine Jurek war ist so wunderbar.

Tolles Buch, kann man nur empfehlen.

Vielleicht wäre es ein gutes Buch für den Schulunterricht.

[SM Surber · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a young boy surviving two years of war on his own was remarkable. Perfect for young adult readers, it teaches survival, perseverance and determination can be developed early and can lead to a fulfilling life.

[Meadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orlev, Uri. Run, Boy, Run. Keter Publishing House, 2003.
This book was a historical fiction book based during World War 2. It was during the war when the main characters, Srulik, (or later named Jurek) has to run around in hiding trying to keep safe, while living with family's and usually working on farms.
One of the scenes i was most interested in is when at the beginning he met the kids playing soccer and helped them steal, they then took him in and gave him food, that is when everything really started he ran away and didn't know where his family was but he made it work with that group of kids who helped him learn how to hunt and live in the forest.
I give this book 4 stars because its a very good book, it was very interesting how a lot of this happened and it was interesting to see his point of view but it was a little bit confusing because he kept going to different houses and family's and there happened to be a lot of characters named Pan/Pani. I think the book was also interesting because of the unexpected events that happened in the book. There where a lot of interesting and difficult problems that he had to work out throughout the book.
The level for the book for me was probably about just right because i didn't have trouble reading it and i enjoyed reading it.

[Carolyn Scarcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I’m reading is called “Run Boy Run” by Uri Orlev. Israel Fridman have told his wartime story to another Holocaust survivor author Uri Orlev, who wrote this book which the film is based on a true story, a form of thriller for young readers, in a similar way as Uri have experienced in Warsaw at the time. Fridman has recounted his experiences to his children and grandchildren, how he survived by his wits, others kindness, and some pure luck. I must say this story was very moving and very touching written story. Israel, his nickname in the book as a Srulik, at the time he was 8 years old, he was born in the Polish Village of Blonie. In 1942, he was smuggled out of ghetto and hunkers wet, cold and hungry in a vast polish forest. As a result, what had happened to him and his family? You can decide.

[Anna [Floanne] · Rating 4 out of 5]

La storia vera di Yoram Friedman, un bambino ebreo che a otto anni, dopo aver perso la sua famiglia, riesce a fuggire dal ghetto di Varsavia e sopravvivere di espedienti nella Polonia occupata è un vero pugno allo stomaco, ma come sempre d’altronde, quando si affronta l’argomento della persecuzione degli ebrei perpetrata con inaudita ferocia dai Nazisti. Un libro che andrebbe fatto leggere nelle scuole, per non dimenticare mai. Straziante ma al contempo illuminante nel dimostrare che l’attaccamento alla vita, l’ingegno e la tenacia possono aiutare a superare qualsiasi difficoltà. Voto: 4 stelle

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been translated to English. This is a true story of a Jewish boy that lived in hiding during the war, sometimes in the woods, sometimes with the kindness of others. Such a story of survival! Sometimes heartbreaking sad. I do wonder what his life would have been if not for the war and I wonder what happened to the people that risked their life to help him.

[Emily D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing story. I can’t imagine enduring and surviving all that this boy experienced. I think this book is great for preteens and tends to read as well and I’ll keep it for my kids to read eventually.

[Koala Williams]

Fascinating account of one boy's survival during WWII. Very different from the books you normally read.

[Zojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad! Based on a true story about the life of young Jurek Staniak, this book was such a good reminder of the will to survive and the importance of hope.

[Hangg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I’m reviewing is “Run, Boy, Run” written by Uri Orlev. It’s a fiction book. Orlev’s theme teaches people to never give up easily and keep a promise to live everywhere by a nice lying, contains to continue to live although a lot of terrible events happened to oneself.
The main character in “Run, Boy, Run” is Srulik. He lost his father when he and his mother moved to Germany from Poland, and left his two brothers and one sister. When Srulik and his mother came to Germany successfully, that several days, Srulik’s mother lost. He joined a gang and learned how to steal, live and find food in the forest, and climb to the trees. He began to be a member in many new gangs and a lot of new families. Everyday, he had to exchange his strength to work for families to get foods. If he worked well, some farmers would give him clothes, shoes for living in seasons, especially winter. When he was about to die because German soldiers knew that he was Jewish boy, so he changed and tried to forget his origin, he became a Christina named Jurek. From that, he used that name to work for a lot of farmers. Luckily, he always was helped by good families by hiding him when German soldiers coming. One day, he knew a new family, who helped soldiers to give him to them, he lost one arm by their shoots. From that, his life was complicated without one arm. He couldn’t climb or fond foods as quick as before. However, from a flood of Russian tribe, he became a flood victim and was helped to find his original family by Pani Rappaport. Although he didn’t remember who was his family, their names, and even his old name, but he still had a little memory about his house in Poland. Finally, Jurek could imagine their faces and names after a good neighbor told them when they came to Jurek’s old tribe. Because of adopting of Pani Rappaport, Jurek was learned and became a Mathematic teacher with a nice wife, and his children.
The book is memorable and interesting, because I admire Srulik when he could live through a lot of storms in his life. He never gave up without his family, helping by anyone. Everything was made up just by only his one arm and a strong spirit inside himself. Especially, the part he was shot his one arm by German soldiers, I was almost cry when I see how he started his life by another arm of his. In my heart, I have an unique quote to describe his spirit “strong as stone, brave as hero! Srulik”. I really love Srulik.
I would recommend “Run, Boy, Run” for children, especially nine to twelve years old. It’s because this book teaches them to look at Srulik as an excellent example child to live Srulik is nine years old in this book, but he lost his family and he lived, found foods by himself. He worked to earn food, ran quickly when German soldiers wanted to kill him, took blueberries and drank river in the forest when he hided. It was a hard life to a nine-years-old boy without family, but he still grew up and became a teacher at all. Well, if you read “Esperanza”, you might like this book, because both of stories was similar. The young ages that they had to struggle for their lives, and be good, be true in their futures.
Finally, I want to wish for Srulik, he will find the last member in his family, and live happily with his wife and children. To myself, after I read this book, I also learn the way to live by myself, and be independent person in my family. I have to make up everything and decide some ways to prove my troubles like Srulik did by myself. Well, between Srulik and Jurek, I like the name Srulik mostly, because it’s his real name that was created by his parents. I really like and have a lot of emotions when I read this book. I hope people, who have a free time in life, or want to read book, let find this book to question that do they have common opinion with me?

[Anke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev has won several awards including the IBBY Hans Christian Anderson Award and the 2004 Batchelder Award (an award given to outstanding literature that was originally written in a foreign language and translated into English—this book was originally written in Hebrew). It is based on the true story of Srulik Frydman, a young Polish boy who was also Jewish, during World War II. In the beginning of the novel he’s living with his family in the Polish Warsaw Ghetto, but soon loses everyone either through death or unexplained disappearances. He escapes the Ghetto and his struggle to survive on his own is told in a simple, straightforward style, yet the reader inevitably feels his pain while turning the pages. Unlike a movie when we can close our eyes and listen to the audio, or maybe peek through our fingers and turn down the volume, the words on the page need to be processed in our minds and sometimes it’s hard to do.

This little boy grows up quickly when he learns that he’s all alone in a world filled with hate. He changes his name to Jurek Staniak and takes the identity of an orphaned Polish Catholic boy. Srulik hides in forests, gets occasional work and a temporary safe place to stay here and there with different people and families in the countryside. Things get gruesome, bitter and ugly when he loses his right arm. (A doctor refuses to operate on his arm because “he is a Jew.”—his arm could have been saved.) Fortunately, Srulik survives through this awful war and eventually immigrates to Israel.

Kirkus Reviews gives this book an age range of 10 years; Scholastic gives it an interest level of 6th through 8th grade and a grade level equivalent of 5.8. Its lexile is 570L. This would be an excellent book to pair with a social studies text when covering World War II. However, pre-teaching is necessary as well as giving the students a thorough and honest book talk prior to reading it. It contains graphic information, swear words and it’s not glossed over to make the reader comfortable; it tells the truth.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could you live in the forest? With no family, no tent, no sleeping bag, and no food? All while being chased by soldiers intent on taking you prisoner? No, this isn't The Hunger Games -- it's real life. After losing his family, eight-year old Jewish boy, Srulik Frydman, had to live like this in the Poland countryside during World War II. Uri Orlev tells Jurek’s compelling tale of survival in this book for children. During his time in hiding, Srulik changed his name to “Jurek Staniak,” and occasionally found work on farms for kind, and not-so-kind, farmers. He lost an arm when a doctor refused to operate on him because he suspected Jurek was Jewish. Jurek was caught, then released, by a kind German soldier. Finally, he lived with a Polish family, who treated him like a son. When the war ended, Jurek was sent to a children’s home for Jewish orphans, where he was able to continue his education. Uri Orlev does not embellish Jurek’s terrible hardships: just the telling of them is sufficient. Publisher’s Weekly notes that “It is this perspective—authentic, childlike and wrenching—that will pierce the audience's heart.” Run, Boy, Run was originally written in Hebrew and received the Batchelder Award for most outstanding translated book of the year in 2004. Translator Hillel Halkin has translated two other books that received the Batchelder Award as well.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerima McLucas
Historical fiction

Run, Boy, Run is a story of Srulik, a young Jewish boy who is able to survive the Holocaust. He is torn from his mother and father who are fleeing from the German soldiers. Srulik lives mostly in the forests of the Warsaw Ghetto, where he meets some boys that teach him how to survive. He is taken in by several families that treat him good, but turn on him later. When there is trouble and the German’s look for Srulik, he is told to move on. Srulik finds food and shelter, just enough to stay alive. As the war ends and Hitler is killed, it would appear that he would be safe with his new adopted family, but more turmoil will present itself before he is able to be free.

Uri Olev and translator Hillil Halkin have created a wonderful novel in Run, Boy, Run. The feelings and terror that Srulik must deal with are very real. The young child is only 8 when he experiences the loss of his family. Against all odds, he is able to survive. Any young adult or teen reader will be able to understand and value the characters and events of Srulik. Once this book is selected, the reader will struggle to put it down before it is finished.

[Alfredo Scognamiglio]

Per il giorno della memoria quest'anno è stato distribuito il film omonimo per soli tre giorni e in pochi cinema, e non potendo andarci ho letto il libro.
La vera storia di Yoram Friedman, oggi professore in Israele, è stata trasformata in questo bel libro da Uri Orlev che l'aveva ascoltata direttamente da lui.
Un bambino che sfugge alla furia nazista unico sopravvissuto della propria famiglia, che correndo passa da una precarietà all'altra senza quasi mai trovare respiro. Il padre morendo gli raccomanda di dimenticarsi di tutto: il proprio nome vero, il papà e la mamma, fingendosi cristiano per salvarsi, ma di non dimenticare ma di essere ebreo. Così fa questo bambino obbedendo all'ordine paterno di "sopravvivere" e ci narra dell'orrore, ma anche di qualche "giusto" incontrato qua e là.
Un libro molto bello, per lo sguardo insolito di un bambino sui fatti terribili della persecuzione di un popolo.
"Se questo è un uomo" è il mio "testo sacro" sull'argomento, ma questo signor Friedman mi ha fatto un bel dono oggi.
LEGGETELO

[Carter Tschumper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev, a Jewish boy named Srulik has to survive in Nazi occupied Poland after escaping the Warsaw Ghetto. He finds hardships with the winter and comes to appreciate the silent heroes of the war. This book is great for a different perspective on the Holocaust. It gives you the point of view of an orphan who survives in unorthodox ways at only 10 years old. The author, Uri Orlev, was a Holocaust survivor himself and wrote this book directly from the source. This makes the book an excellent firsthand experience that not many books can achieve because of the language barrier. Run, Boy, Run is a translation directly from Yiddish and is easy to understand. It has won numerous awards across the globe including The Batchelder Award in the U.S.

[Luke Pensallorto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very outstanding realistic fiction book. It told the story of a young boy and how he escaped his ghetto and went on the run from the Nazis. This book was full of twist and turns. A mid paced book but the scene changed everyone once in awhile. I really liked this because it told different adventures that I personally enjoyed. I would recommend this book.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though this is based on the true account of a brave survivor, I found the writing to be largely unbelievable, which does this survivor and others a disservice. I think it is a good book for middle-schoolers, but not for more advanced readers.

[Nancy Leeds]

An amazing young boy. I just finished reading it and went to see the movie. The movie did a good job of tolling the book. If you can't read this do see the movie

[Katie Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another important book based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor and on a list of books I have for my course for Middle School teachers using literature to teach the Holocaust.

[Sara Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read "Run, Boy, Run" yesterday as my first Holocaust fiction choice. My hope was that it would be a bit of an easier read for my low level readers, yet still provide the depth and emotion of a more complex book (like "Alicia, My Diary" which I currently read with my honors students). I'm choosing to focus on the following three elements of literature: characterization, theme, and setting. Two of them work rather well, but one falls short for me.
One theme of this book is something along the lines of "Don't give up and you will make it." This works well for a Holocaust novel, and the main character's gritty determination to keep going is akin to the main character in "Alicia." A theme of perseverance and a positive outcome are both concepts I appreciate and I know my students would, too. I feel differently about the characters in this novel. With the sometimes exception of Jurek, the main character, every other person we encounter is a very flat character. We don't learn anything about them and don't see Jurek really grieve for their absence or demise. One might argue that this reflects the transient state of his life at this time, which makes sense, but it doesn't make for a good connection for the reader. We don't really care too much when one character disappears and another reappears in Jurek's life, because we didn't get to know any of them. In addition, Jurek is pretty dismissive of each as they flitter in and out of his existence. Jurek likely had to keep a level of detachment in order to keep going and not wallow in despair, but for readers, this nonchalance doesn't make for a very engaging read.
Finally, I did like the setting for the story - told as a series of farms and forests and towns that Jurek made his way through. The constant movement lent itself well to the title and reflected the boy's constant need to stay undetected by remaining on the move. This fleeting element worked much better than the way it was mirrored in the characters. It also connects very much to the novel I already teach - I saw so many similarities in how Jurek's life was spent working on farms and hiding in forests. He learned how to do most everything on a farm, even one-handed!
I think this book could work in my classes, especially as a resource along with our current read. Students would be able to draw many parallels between the determination and intelligence of the main characters, as well as how they spent their time working farms and on the run in the wilderness. We could also discuss the differences in what it meant to be a Jewish girl versus a Jewish boy on the run at this time. They each had certain things to worry about that the other did not.
In addition, I think this book could be a good examination of character development for my students. The lack of it is evident, and we could discuss how much that helps a story and garners a reader's interest. We care about Jurek because we are with him throughout the story and see his struggles. We become invested in what happens to him. Students will be able to identify this and understand why they aren't as concerned when other characters vanish from the book.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and would potentially use it in my classroom. I like Jurek's resourcefulness and strength. The fast pace and constant movement help the reader to never really feel settled into one place, just as Jurek was not. My only criticism revolves around the flat characters and a desire to feel more connected to them.

[Peyton Nicastro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel that will bring tears and smiles

A lonely eight year old Jewish boy fights for his life in the hard Holocaust times. The book starts out with Srulik living with his family in the Warsaw ghetto. An event happens that leaves Srulik living on his own in the dark woods dodging German soldiers. He and his real identity must remain hidden from all Germans or his life is on the line. He sometimes jumps from farm to farm looking for work and safety. One women is particularly nice to Srulik and helps him out. But can he trust her? Srulik faces many challenges along the way, especially one tragic life changing event that leaves him with lots of grief. He shows that no matter what challenges life throws at you, you can overcome them. Will Srulik be able to survive the treacherous Holocaust?
“Run, Boy, Run” left me with many emotions. I loved how it always left you on the edge of your seat and wanting to the read the next chapter. There were really sad and happy moments. This novel put into perspective how bad and difficult the Holocaust really was. The book was a little confusing at the beginning, but things cleared up as the story went on. Uri Orlev did a fantastic job describing the setting and characters’ emotions and appearances. Orlev’s description makes you feel like you are there living with Surlik through the hard times. This book is a great book for anyone interested inhaving more sympathy for all the lives lost during the Holocaust. One thing I wish Orlev did was make the epilogue longer with more information. I liked the book and give it four stars. I don’t give it a full five stars because the ending is quick. I feel that Orlev could of explained more of what happened to Surlik. I would not read this novel again, but I would recommend it. “Run, Boy, Run” is great for someone who wants to feel emotions for the people in the Holocaust and to show everyone that there were good German people.

[Bethany Albrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Srulik, there's no time. I want you to remember what I'm going to tell you. You have to stay alive. You have to! The most important thing, Srulik,” he said, talking fast, “is to forget your name. Wipe it from your memory. But even if you forget everything--even if you forget me and Mama--never forget that you're a Jew.” Eight-year-old Sruilk loses his family, home, identity, and even his arm as he fights to survive the forest, pretending to be a Christian and relying on the kindness of strangers to avoid being captured by Nazi soldiers. Although Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev would be challenging to teach in the classroom because of its plotline, this coming-of-age story has the potential to inspire preteen readers because of its characterization and theme.

Although the plot centers around Srulik’s struggle to survive as a child during the Holocaust, it may be a hard book to teach in the classroom because it does not follow the linear storyline that most stories follow (inciting moment, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution). In the beginning, Srulik becomes separated from his mother, flees the Warsaw ghetto, and joins a motley crew of homeless boys. Once they got word that the Germans were going to “round up” (16) all of the Jews, they fled, and in the confusion, Srulik ended up solo. He finds a second group of boys who live in the forest until he becomes separated from them as well. After this, the story becomes very repetitive as Srulik jumps from farm to farm, offering work in exchange for food and lodging. He works like a dog, until eventually, something happens that causes him to have to leave that farm and go on to the next. This happens numerous times until a Russian soldier takes Srulik under his wing and becomes a mentor to him. Only a few memorable events happen, including an encounter with his father in a field and a devastating farm accident that causes him to have his arm amputated. Because of the repetition, the events and experiences within the plot merge and become murky. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, it could make it a challenge to teach in the classroom.


While the plot doesn’t follow a traditional structure, Srulik’s emotional and mental development and characterization are the heartbeat of the story. In the beginning, Srulik is an innocent child who is discovering the world around him. Chapter 1 starts with Srulik peppering his family with several questions that show Srulik’s inquisitive innocence. His isolation and self-dependence force his maturity as he navigates and adapts to various living conditions. He also witnesses the death of his dad (chapter 6), severing his last familial tie and thereby giving him no choice but to erase his past life—family, name, and culture—to survive. Srulik’s relationship with the Russian soldier gave him a sense of security and a reinvented identity. Junior high students might reflect upon and commiserate with Srulik as he learns to make sense of the disordered world and is forced to mature rather quickly in the process. Srulik’s encounter with his father in the field and his relationship with the Russian soldier would be a good time to discuss his growth and maturity.


Lastly, the themes of identity and survival are prevalent throughout the story. Srulik struggles to remember who he is and where he came from; however, he must alter his identity to survive. Srulik’s survival depends on him forgetting his upbringing, family, and childhood memories while embracing his new identity as a Christian. This becomes a point of tension for Srulik as he has always been proud of being a Jew, and yet that is a death sentence. This can evoke some interesting conversations about survival (physical, mental, and emotional), dealing with adversity, navigating identity in changing environments, the importance of stability in a young person’s life, and empathy and ethics in understanding what it would be like to be in Srulik’s shoes. Besides class discussions about these themes, students could also find insight by writing journal entries for Srulik based on the experiences in the book.

[Brandon Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Run, Boy, Run” is a book written by Uri Orlev who was born in Warsaw in 1931. He spent many years of his life hiding to stay alive and decided to write a book explaining the hardships and trouble that happened to him. The book takes place all around Poland with the main character Srulik being forced to travel all over. I found this book at the Fowlerville high school media center.

Srulik's childhood was during the second world war so many problems came with that. The main problem overall was that he was a Jew, at the time Jews were being hunted down by German officers and the public was forced to act in their favor. He goes around for almost the whole book traveling trying to find a permanent home for him. But whenever he does find someone that will take him in he is forced to leave shortly after. With everything that the war has done to him even when it's over there is still so much damage that was brought upon Srulik it makes everyday things seem impossible. But even after everything that happened he still fights and continues to go on.

One thing that really stood out to me in this book was the fact that he never gave up. Even with a whole army after him, fighting to eat, having to constantly be on the run. He never gave up. “Run, Boy, Run” really simplifies the whole book and really means a lot reading this book as some of the most important characters are telling him to run for various reasons, but the main cause of it all is just to survive another day.

My personal opinion on the book was that it was alright. It started out slow in the beginning but it picked up fast then it was very fast pace, so there was not really a set pace of the story. However it still tells a good story about a boy named Srulik with lots of action and drama in the story. And people who like history or war based stories with a lot of conflict I would recommend this book to you.

[Marley Gureno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choice book 4, Quarter 3.
Run,Boy,Run
Run,Boy,Run is a historical fiction book written by Uri Orlev. Run,Boy,Run starts of in a Gestapo, the story jumps around a lot one place it went to was Warsaw and ended in the city of Lodz. Run,Boy,Run follows a nine year old boy named Shulik who is a Jew. He ends up changing his name to Jurek to stay alive in the war. ¨Jurek¨ struggles to find some people to help him.

Shulik ¨Jurek¨ in the main character. he changed his name and said he was polish as he runs from the Germans. Shulik is very brave because he goes up to peoples houses not knowing if they will turn him in to the Germans or not. He meets lots of people witch makes him more aware of what might come next. He has lots of ups and downs but he deals with it.

The main problem would be that there´s a war happening and a lot of the Germans are after him. He has ran from the Germans before so they now him a little bit.

The author believes that even if you think you should just give up, you keep going because you dont know what will happen next.
Evidence #1: every once in a while Jurek would want to give up but he kept walking intill he found a village.
Evidence #2: at the begging of the book he found a group of boys and when they were about to get caught they hide and just kept going because they new they needed food.
Evidence #3: when got stuck in a barn he kept yelling in till someone came and didn't give up.

I didn't really like the begging it was a little confusing, but I really enjoined the rest of the book. my favorite part of the book is when he finds a family that took him in until he had to run from the Germans. my least favorite part in when he's in the forest and something happen. But other wise its a really good book.