In 1943, in Poland, the life of 12 year old Eva takes a terrifying turn when her beloved sister is seized by the Nazis in a raid on the Jewish ghetto. In an effort to save both of his daughters, Papa sends Eva to join her sister in a Nazi labor camp, where the girls spin thread on treacherous machinery to make blankets for the German army. As she struggles amid ever-worsening dangers to save her life and that of her sick sister, Eva's world tears apart like the weak threads on her spinning machine. In this riveting account based on a true story, two teenagers strive to create home and family for each other amidst inhumanity and chaos--sharing not only crusts of bread, but precious moments of love and laughter.
 

Torn Thread Reviews
"In a noteworthy departure, Isaacs (Swamp Angel; Treehouse Tales) turns her considerable literary gifts to a painful subject -- her mother-in-law's experiences as a teenage prisoner of a Nazi camp -- and transforms it into a powerful work of fiction. Given its precise detail and sensitivity to unimaginable suffering, this gripping novel reads like the strongest of Holocaust memoirs." (Starred review, Publishers Weekly)

"This story would be a meaningful addition to any unit on World War II and the Holocaust. Highly Recommended." (Starred review, The Book Report)

Awards and Honors

Stared Reviews: Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, The Book Report

• IRA: Outstanding International Book, Notable Book for a Global Society, 2000
• American Library Association: Notable Book, Best Books for Young Adults, 2000
• National Jewish Book Award Finalist
• Booklist: Best of the Year -- Holocaust Literature for Youth, 2000
• New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2000
• Sydney Taylor Honor Book, Notable Book for Young Readers
• Pick of the lists, American Booksellers Association
• Smithsonian Notable Book for Children
• Children's Literature Choice Book
• Children's Book Council Notable Book in Social Studies