The Ballerina of Auschwitz: Young Adult Edition of The Choice

Have you ever read a book that just emotionally destroyed you? A book that made you cry both tears of sadness and joy. The Ballerina of Auschwitz, a memoir written by Holocaust survivor Edith Eger is that book for me. The story focuses on Edith a talented dancer and gymnast who is deported to a nazi concentration camp with her family.

This story didn't flinch away from telling about Edith's experience at the concentration camp. It was horrifying to read about what she endured, but somehow Edith's story also was filled with hope. Even in the dire conditions of the concentration camp, she found moments of light and the strength to survive. There is a particular scene in the book when they first arrive at the camp. The women are stripped of their clothes and their hair is shaved off. Edith's sister Magda asks her how she looks. While thinking she looks like a mangy dog, Edith realizes Magda needs reassurance, so she tells her how beautiful her eyes are now that she can see them. "It's the first time I see that we have a choice to pay attention to what we've lost or to pay attention to what we still have." It's these small moments throughout the book where Edith chooses to be positive in such harsh circumstances that give the reader hope.

Even after the war is over and Edith and her sister are rescued from the concentration camp, they continue to experience prejudice for being Jews. You realize their struggle is far from over, and what they experience will stay with them forever.

The Ballerina of Auschwitz should be a must-read for all teens to give them an understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust and the beauty of hope and perseverance.