Survivors Club

Survivors Club is a memoir that documents Michael Bornstein's experiences as one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz concentration camp. The author, who remained silent about his wartime experiences for over 70 years, reconstructs his family's history during the Holocaust through research and testimonies. The book follows the Bornstein family in the Jewish ghetto of Zarki, Poland, and traces their eventual deportation to Auschwitz. Through careful research and family records, Bornstein and his daughter Debbie Bornstein Holinstat piece together the events that allowed four-year-old Michael and several family members to survive against impossible odds. The narrative incorporates historical documents, photographs, and firsthand accounts to create a complete picture of both individual and collective experiences during this period. The authors present these elements alongside memories and family stories, building a bridge between personal and historical truth. This memoir stands as both a historical record and a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances. The multi-generational collaboration between father and daughter adds depth to this exploration of family legacy and the importance of preserving survivor stories for future generations.

Readers value this Holocaust memoir for its child's perspective and focus on survival rather than graphic details of atrocity. Many note it works well for middle-grade students learning about WWII. Parents and teachers report it prompts meaningful discussions while remaining age-appropriate. Readers appreciate: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Family photographs and documents - Historical context and fact-checking - Hope-centered narrative - Multi-generational impact explored Common criticisms: - Some sections move slowly - Limited details about certain time periods - A few readers wanted more emotional depth Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 5/5 From reader reviews: "The perfect balance of historical facts and personal experience" - Goodreads reviewer "Tells an important story without traumatizing young readers" - Amazon reviewer "Helped my students connect with history in a personal way" - Teacher review on Common Sense Media

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🔹 Michael Bornstein is one of the youngest known survivors of Auschwitz. He was just four years old when the camp was liberated, and his tiny stature in the iconic liberation photo helped him connect with his past decades later. 🔹 The book was co-written by Michael and his daughter Debbie, a TV news producer, after Michael spent nearly 70 years rarely speaking about his Holocaust experiences. 🔹 B-1148 was Michael's tattoo number in Auschwitz - remarkably low for a Jewish prisoner in 1944, which helped him survive as lower numbers were often assigned to prisoners deemed useful for work. 🔹 Only 52 people from Michael's town of Żarki, Poland survived the Holocaust out of a Jewish population of 3,000. Michael survived against extraordinary odds, as nearly all children his age were immediately sent to gas chambers. 🔹 The book's publication in 2017 coincided with a surge in Holocaust denial on social media, making it particularly timely as a firsthand account from one of the ever-dwindling number of survivors who can tell their stories.