His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg
Juvenile Biography
Louise Borden chose Raoul Wallenberg as her hero after reading a
book about him. Fortunately she met an elderly man who had studied
with him in college. She promised him and herself that she would
write Wallenberg's story. Her His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg is a
moving tribute to a hero for all time.
In 1944 Hitler's militia occupied Hungary. Jewish citizens
began to be sent to Auschwitz to be killed in gas chambers. First were
those who lived in small villages and rural areas. Budapest Jews were
targeted next. Desperate, they turned to ambassadors of neutral
nations including Sweden pleading for help.
Wallenberg was in his native Sweden then. He was called on to
travel to Budapest to organize a rescue operation. As he prepared to
leave documents created by people who had witnessed the atrocities of
and escaped from Auschwitz were given to a diplomat. Wallenberg was
determined to save as many Jews as possible.
Borden's book describes vividly his unwavering dedication to his
mission, even at great risk to his life. It also, though starts off
with his childhood. It shows how the savior of so many and paradigm
of selfless courage was once a child like many potential readers who
enjoyed riding his bike and flying kites. It brings out the humanity
as well as the courage of a man who gave his all only to disappear as
Russian troops liberated Budapest, never again to see his beloved
homeland again.
Raoul Wallenberg's name is one that must never be forgotten. It
is quite fortunate that Borden found a very powerful way to introduce
his amazing story to our children.
On a personal note, we are less that two hours from midnight. I am
glad I have the gift of concentration because if I could not ignore
the noisy television it would be driving me up the wall.
A great big shout out goes out to all heroes past and present
unwaveringly dedicated to saving the lives of innocent people trapped
in horrendous situations.
Julia Emily Hathaway
Sent from my iPod
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