Straightforward and harrowing account of life in Terezin, perhaps the more horrifying because it seemed so humane in contrast with the other camps we now know about -- and life in Terezin was far from humane. Well illustrated with Helga's drawings and some pictures of her family. Heartbreaking, but well written and important. ( )

This was a good book mostly because it was a story and from the viewpoint of a young girl. When captured by the Nazis, the family starts out in Terezin, which is supposed be the "nicest" camp, (The Nazis spruced it up and hid the inmates whenever the Red Cross checked on it) made out of part of a town. Eventually she is moved to Auschwitz and a couple of other places, including staying in a coal car for a long time before going to the last camp. ( )

Helga’s Diary: A Young Girls Account of Life in a Concentration Camp By: Helga Weiss
Helga was taken to a camp when she was 13. With her mother’s strength dwindling Helga was forced to help as much as she could even if it meant that she had to work more hours. Her father Otto has been moved from camp to camp working very hard. When her father is taken and doesn't come back Helga starts to worry. Will he ever return? Soon after Otto leaves Helga and her mom are taken to another camp Auschwitz. Heads shaved, cold showers, an undefined future Helga is scared and has nothing to stick to. Her mother is sick and must be dragged to roll call. After a few weeks Helga and her mother and moved and put back on a train with 8 oz of bread for the whole trip. Once Helga arrives, she is turned over to the new camp owners. Once she gets into the courtyard, she is given soup and chocolate once she gets to the bunks she can take a shower and sleep with fresh blankets. After a few weeks the Allies reach the camp and Helga's mother gets medicines and Helga is officially free ( )

in prestito a Roberta d'Aragona

Summary:

Helga Weiss is a Jewish girl during the times of the Nazi Invasion. She lives in Prague. She was only nine and had to leave her school because she was Jewish. Her family is sent to a concentration camp. The concentration camp was called Terezin. Men and women had to be separated, so Helga and her mom got separated from her dad. Her dad would sneak notes through occasionally to say he was safe. Helga had written little notes and poems on small pieces of paper everywhere she went. Sometimes in a full diary. Helga and her family go through so many holidays, like they don't get to have their usual Mother’s day celebrations so she makes flowers out of paper. Or for Hanukkah they include all of the other people in their concentration camp to join in and have a fun time. To make the situation positive.

Opinion:
I don't usually like to read non-fiction books but this one was really interesting. Some parts i just wanted to keep reading and others i just wanted to skip through. Helga’s story is really real. At times she was scared. She gets to know new people. And experienced so much at so little. ( )