50 Children

One Ordinary American Couple's Extraordinary Rescue Mission into the Heart of Nazi Germany

By: Steven Pressman

Narrated by: Robert Fass

Two ordinary Americans.

Fifty innocent lives.

One unforgettable journey.

In early 1939, few Americans were thinking about the darkening storm clouds over Europe. Nor did they have much sympathy for the growing number of Jewish families that were increasingly threatened and brutalized by Adolf Hitler's policies in Germany and Austria.

But one ordinary American couple decided that something had to be done. Despite overwhelming obstacles - both in Europe and in the United States - Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus made a bold and unprecedented decision to travel into Nazi Germany in an effort to save a group of Jewish children.

Fewer than 1,200 unaccompanied children were allowed into the United States throughout the entire Holocaust, in which 1.5 million children perished. The 50 children saved by the Krauses turned out to be the single largest group of unaccompanied children brought to America.

Drawing from Eleanor Kraus's unpublished memoir, rare historical documents, and interviews with more than a dozen of the surviving children, and illustrated with period photographs, archival materials, and memorabilia, 50 Children is a remarkable tale of personal courage and triumphant heroism that offers a fresh, unique insight into a critical period of history.

©2014 Steven Pressman (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

I didn't want it to end

This story is the rare combination of history, action, suspense, and pulling at your heart strings. Add the facts that it's a true story that is super well researched and well written and it's the perfect book.

I learned a ton about the early invasion of Austria by the Nazi's. Fascinating details unfolded as the story progressed. Along with all the new historical facts filling my brain, I was rooting for the good guys, booing for the bad guys, and crying during the touching moments.

As the story started to wrap-up, I didn't want it to end. I wanted to hear every detail about the lives of everyone I had met in this great novel.

This book delivers. I loved it and recommend it.

inspiring

Listening to this book, I couldn't help but think about the Muslim refugees fleeing war and being denied entry to the US. This couple and the people who helped were truly amazing....

Heartwarming!

What a wonderful story I couldn’t put it down I had to finish to find out all about the children and their lives and the lives of the classes that assisted them. Great read wonderful narration heartwarming wonderful story.

Kansas reader

Did not enjoy reading about the vacations, first class accommodations of M/M Kraus and fashion choices made by Mrs. Kraus. The true heroes/heroines are the parents of the 50 refugee children. The success of this endeavor by all involved is measured by the fulfilling lives that the majority of the children grew up and experienced.

Just wow

Within 10 min of finishing this, I ordered the hard copy. It’s a must read.

Important chronicle of a rescue mission

Pertinent as an example of what is possible in challenging times, this story provides a window into a critical time when determination won out over firm resistance and interference. The saving of the children was a triumph by the Kraus family. Even so, the telling of it is a bit dry and predictable. It could have been told in a shorter space.