Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen by Michelle McCann

Bibliography
McCann, Michelle. 2003. Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen. ill. Ann Marshall. Berkeley: Tricycle Press.

Plot Summary
Luba by Michelle McCann is a wonderful story of how one person made a difference in fifty-four lives. Set during World War II at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, this true story will inspire everyone. After being separated from her family and taken to the concentration camp for being Jewish, Luba discovers a group of abandoned children in the middle of the night. Knowing she will be executed if the children are found with her, she decides to hide the children in her barracks anyways. Every morning, Luba takes to the task of finding enough food to feed the fifty-four children. Every night, she returns with another miracle...food for everyone.

Critical Analysis
Based on a true story, Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen, is a powerful story of how one person can truly make a difference. Luba has been separated from her husband and son and taken to the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen because she was Jewish. She finds a group of abandoned children her first night at the camp and risks her own life to keep them safe.

The vocabulary and language used in the book are ideal for the intended audience. McCann's simple writing and narrative form makes this an excellent children’s book. The author's note, prologue, epilogue, and bibliography confirms the accuracy of Luba's story. Finally, the addition of Marshall's illustrations really brings the story to life.

Reviews
Children's Literature: "This is a book about a truly remarkable woman, whose courage and determination not only saved the lives of those five-four Dutch children, but also teaches us all something about the power of loving children and caring for others."

Kirkus Reviews: "One of the beautiful, positive stories that emerged from that awful time, to be remembered and passed on to young and old alike."