Risk, Resilience, and Redemption: A Miraculous Holocaust Survival Story by Frank W Baker

Risk, Resilience, and Redemption: A Miraculous Holocaust Survival Story by Frank W Baker
Publisher:  Tree of Life Books
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   45 pages
Publishing:  October 21st, 2025

Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "In January, the Goldberg family visits the cemetery where their parents are buried."

Frank Baker reached out to me about reviewing his new historical nonfiction book. It tells the incredible story of two people who survived six years of the Holocaust before eventually finding each other and beginning a new life in America.

Risk, Resilience and Redemption begins in the present day with Bluma and Felix's children visiting the cemetery to pay their respects.  The scene depicts their strong traditions such as touching a Mezuzah, laying stones on a headstone, and vowing to never forget the hardships that their parents endured and the atrocities of the Holocaust.  The black and white illustrations capture the family's history with twentieth century photographs, illustrations and newspaper clippings.  The book delves into Bluma Tishgarten's and Felix Goldberg's childhoods, exploring their upbringing, hobbies and dreams for the future.  It also chronicles the changes in Poland and the early warnings of Hitler's movement in Germany targeting Jews.

Baker tells the story of Bluma and Felix's capture, imprisonment and resilience despite the brutal conditions they endured.  The story then chronicles their eventual liberation by the Allied forces, their meeting, marriage, and subsequent move to South Carolina to build a new life.  It's a beautifully told account that not only sheds light on the horrors of the Holocaust but also brings a personal perspective to the perseverance and strength of two individuals who overcame unimaginable odds.  Bluma and Felix's story appears to be well researched with a list of resources at the back of the book.  Baker also utilized videotaped interviews, completed research in General Eisenhower's library and various news collections to include the historical facts in the story.  With its short chapters and lots of illustrations this will certainly capture the attention of a reluctant reader or someone looking to learn more about this time period.  My favorite part of this story was the author's closing message. I recommend reading it yourself, as I don't want to diminish its impact by sharing it here.   **A huge thank you to the author for the paperback copy for my review.  I will happily be donating my copy to a little free library**  

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

The Tinkerers by Caroline Carlson

The Tinkerers by Caroline Carlson

Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Format Read:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   480 pages
Publishing:  October 7th, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Imagine you're on your back, looking up at the stars."

Peter had just won the Empire Day essay contest for "What My Hometown Means to Me" when he unexpectedly crosses paths with two Astromancers, Audrey and Francis.  They were hopelessly lost, so Peter leads them to his family's inn and helps them carry all of their suitcases inside.  Intrigued by their strange inventions, Peter couldn't resist peeking through their belongings.  Among them, he discovers an old clock.  When he touches its hands, time skips backward.   

Peter is generally conscience and follows the rules.  He fears making a mistake and being labeled as an Outbounder.  He tries hard to be a good role model for his younger siblings.  But the temptation to fix his mistakes proves to be irresistible.  Each time he nudges the clock, the harder it becomes to stop.   

The first two chapters unfold through exhibit entries and excerpts from surveillance footage transcripts gathered from across Stargazers Valley.  The valley is known for its clambering and skiens that release their starstuff, a precious substance vital to the Astromancers inventions and is strictly regulated by decree from the Empress Belvedere.   To prevent illegal harvesting a task force patrols the valley monitoring for any Free Citizens and Outbounders. 

The Tinkerers blends elements of a crime novel, mystery, mythology and personal diary.  The story jumps between the threads of uncovering the identities and hidden motives of the Free Citizens staying at Peter's family's inn and the official recollections from Director Laura Boyd of the events leading up to and the four months following Empire Day.  The inn, Peter's home and school are the core locations of the story amid the beauty and simplicity of the Stargazers Valley.  It is a mountainous region bathed in aurora borealis lights. 

Through a collage of surveillance transcripts, Peter's essays and the escalating consequences of him rewinding time, the story builds in suspense and mystery.  The Tinkerers explores themes of identity, moral choices, and discerning between truth and perception.  It asks, what kind of person do you want to be?  Which version of the truth will you tell? and if you could go back in time to fix a mistake, should you? 

**A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the ARC-paperback in exchange for an honest review**

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE