Prisoner B-3087

Prisoner B-3087
Author: Alan Gratz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2013
Pages: 288
Lexile Level: 730L

Summary
Prisoner B-3087 is a gripping novel based on the true story of Jack Gruener, a Jewish boy who survives ten different Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The book follows Yanek, a young Jewish boy living in Poland, whose life is turned upside down when the Nazis invade and destroy his home, his family, and his world. Over the course of the war, Yanek is transported from camp to camp, enduring unimaginable horrors, but through it all, he remains determined to survive. As he faces starvation, forced labor, and the constant threat of death, Yanek's will to live, along with his memories of his family, keeps him going. The novel explores his resilience, his relationships with fellow prisoners, and his fight to hold onto his humanity amidst the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Main Themes
1. Survival and Resilience: The novel shows how Yanek’s determination to survive is tested by the horrors he faces in the concentration camps. His journey underscores the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
2. Loss and Grief: Yanek suffers the loss of family, friends, and his childhood innocence, but the book also shows how he learns to cope with loss and finds hope in small acts of kindness.
3. Courage and Hope: Despite the brutal conditions, Yanek continues to find hope in the most dire circumstances. The book highlights the importance of courage, both in fighting for survival and in maintaining one's humanity.
4. The Horrors of the Holocaust: The novel provides a window into the atrocities of the Holocaust, introducing young readers to the systematic persecution of Jews by the Nazis while humanizing the victims through Yanek’s experiences.
5. Friendship and Solidarity: Throughout his time in the camps, Yanek forms deep bonds with fellow prisoners. These relationships help him endure and remind readers of the importance of human connection, even in the darkest of times.
Why Prisoner B-3087 is Appropriate for Grades 4 and Up
Prisoner B-3087 is accessible to readers as young as 4th grade while still addressing mature themes like loss, war, and the Holocaust. The writing is clear and engaging, making it an excellent way to introduce these historical topics to middle-grade students. The book encourages students to empathize with the experiences of Holocaust survivors and think critically about issues of human rights, prejudice, and tolerance. The fast-paced, action-oriented narrative will keep students engaged, especially those who might struggle with longer or more complex texts. The story of Yanek’s survival will captivate readers and draw them into the history of World War II.
The novel provides many opportunities for discussion about the importance of resilience, empathy, and standing up against injustice—ideas that resonate with young readers who are developing a sense of social responsibility.