This is a real life story told in easy-to-understand
narrative supported by graphic illustrations.
It is introduced with a detailed
map of Budapest marking all the specific areas and places that the narrator, Peter,
mentions in his story.
This is a book executed and delivered with thought and
simplicity to its target audience.
During World War 2, things became difficult for the
Jews of Budapest. They were forced to
sew big yellow stars on their clothes and were banned from travelling on public
transport, without being given a reason why.
Forcibly moved to an area for Jews
alone, one bag each was all they were allowed to take with them.
Eva is sent from the country to live with Peter’s family.
The story reveals how and why the two children escape the gas chambers on a
night when lorries cart the other children away never to be heard of again. It
acknowledges the compassion shown by a soldier, and uncovers the secret role
undertaken by Peter’s father during these dark years and its life-saving
outcomes.
This is a personal narrative created especially for
children through vivid pictures and a simple text. It helps build the scenes in
a non-confronting way and presents them so that the important issues are easily
grasped by younger readers. Helen Bate applies a comic-style layout which is
ideal for younger readers.
At the end of the narrative, Peter shares
photographs of himself and Eva in 1939 and of himself and his parents in 1941.
It also shows Peter with his family at the time of the book’s publication.
The significance of historical biographies created
especially for children cannot be understated. They are an ideal visual and
textual teaching tool for classrooms and libraries, always welcomed and
embraced by individuals determined to keep the memory of those times alive in
their minds and hearts.
Title:
Peter in Peril: Courage and Hope in World War Two
Author/Illustrator:
Helen Bate
Publisher:
Walker Books, $18.99
Publication
Date: March 2019
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9781910959039
For
ages: 8+
Type:
Non Fiction Graphic Novel