When Roberto sneaks off to see a movie in his Italian village, he has no idea that life as he knows it is over. German soldiers raid the theater, round up the boys in the audience, and pack them onto a train. After a terrifying journey, Roberto and his best friend Samuele find themselves in a brutal work camp, where food is scarce and horror is everywhere. The boys vow to stay together no matter what. But Samuele has a dangerous secret, which, if discovered, could get them both killed. Lovers of historical fiction will be captivated by this tragic, triumphant, and deeply moving novel.

"A gripping, meticulously researched story." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review

"An intense, gripping tale." -- School Library Journal , starred review

"An affecting coming-of-age novel with a vivid and undeniable message about the human costs of war." -- The Horn Book

* A Puffin Novel

* 224 pages

* Ages 10-14

* An ALA Notable Book

* An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

* New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age

* An NCSS Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies