Toward Morning

by Alta Halverson Seymour

Back in print from Purple House Press!

Fourteen-year-old Teresa and her family live through the terror of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. This is a dramatic story of the young Freedom Fighters and of the dangers and excitement of one family's flight to the safety of the Austrian border.

Genres: Historical Fiction

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story! I had never even heard of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, but my heart was immediately wrapped up in this group of young freedom fighters. I loved how they were able to use what the Russians had taught against them. And I loved every member of the little group we focused on--their determination, their resourcefulness, their protectiveness--so good! The story kept me on the edge of my seat, but I really appreciated the hopeful tone that threaded it, in spite of all the trouble and danger.

The only thing that kept throwing me was the name Teresa and her brothers used for their mother. Although we're told at the beginning that "Anyuka" means "little mother", it just seemed so much like her name that it felt strange for them to be calling her that. Maybe it would have helped some if everyone else hadn't also called her that--including people who were supposed to be older than she was. :S

Content--plot deals with war and revolution, including gunplay, bombs, etc., but no graphic details; a few non-descriptive injuries; "magic" used figuratively

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never knew even the smallest bit about Hungary's fight for freedom from communist Russia until I read this book. Told in Alta Seymour's wonderful style, this story has excitement, danger, courage, and true bravery. It left me wanting to know more about what happened in Hungary.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book that I have read by Alta Halverson Seymour and I think that she is an excellent classic children's author. She wrote this book in 1961 about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. This book is full of characters who embody boldness and bravery. The uprising created thousands of refugees such as the families in this book.

[Bruce Pitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I do not remember the Hungarian Revolution as it was happening likely because I was only five at that time. I credit my (finally) reading the book as a tribute to my sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Antonides, who suggest that we read it. A short, but poignant, work about a very dark time in human history.

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The entire plot revolves around a family trying to escape being killed by Russian soldiers over the span of a few days. Lots of peril. Maybe a bit much for sensitive middle schoolers. Worthwhile reading if only because so few books are written about these events.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My father brought this book home for me in 1960 when I was in fifth grade. It made such an impression on me that I still remember it so many years later. Definitely recommend.

[Julie]

A great introduction for teens (and adults) to a piece of history given little attention. The first I heard of this Hungarian revolution was the movie The Journey with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner, which I think would make a nice follow-up to this book.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast moving and inspiring tale based on the Hungarian Revolution of 1956...