Prisoner B-3087

By: Alan Gratz

Narrated by: Steven Kaplan

Length: 4 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

A gripping novel based on the astonishing true story of a boy who survived 10 concentration camps. Based on the true story by Ruth and Jack Gruener. 

Ten concentration camps. Ten different places where you are starved, tortured, and worked mercilessly. It's something no one could imagine surviving. But it is what Yanek Gruener has to face. As a Jewish boy in 1930s Poland, Yanek is at the mercy of the Nazis, who have taken over. Everything he has and everyone he loves have been snatched brutally from him. And then Yanek himself is taken prisoner - his arm tattooed with the words PRISONER B-3087. He is forced from one nightmarish concentration camp to another as World War II rages all around him. He encounters evil he could have never imagined but also sees surprising glimpses of hope amid the horror. He just barely escapes death only to confront it again seconds later. Can Yanek make it through the terror without losing his hope, his will - and, most of all, his sense of who he really is inside? 

©2013 Alan Gratz (P)2015 Scholastic Inc.

Disturbing Good Story

YOU COME IN THROUGH THE FRONT GATE, BUT THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH THE CHIMNEY.
Words can not express how good this book was or how important for people of all ages to listen to. The story is based on a real person. In the afterword the author mentions that he wrote some things that did not happen to this boy, but did happen to others. This boy did survive nine different concentration camps. At times I think we are too civilized for this type of thing to happen in modern times and than I turn on the news and hear about a man going to a black church and killing nine people in order to start a race war. I see what happens in Syria and the refugees, plus more. We must stay vigilante, this sort of hatred could happen again, right here in America. This book will grab you by the throat and not let up until it is over.

PASS THE SALT

LOVE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS

Would you listen to Prisoner B-3087 again? Why?

YES I love this book. I use this audio for the classroom. The kids like it a lot. Allows them time to focus on the events without trying to struggle through vocabulary in some chapters. We use it about every other chapter.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Prisoner B-3087?

Uncle Moshe' being killed. Such a disappointment. Also the Allies rescuing those prisoners after so long in the concentration camps.

What about Steven Kaplan’s performance did you like?

Tone and accent

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, but I think in a normal setting you might

Any additional comments?

Lots of opportunity for follow up research with this book and research as you read.

Great Summary of Nazi Concentration Camps

This book is a great summary of what the Jews (and others) endured during the holocaust. The author admits to fabricating some of the circumstances so that the reader can gain even more of a window into the truths of those situations. With that said, it's the truly remarkable moments in Jacks (the main character) experiences that are factual anyway.

The audio performance is magnificent with accents and solid overall performance to keep you engaged.

great story

I've already read this story twice, and now for the third time I reading it🙂 this is one one of the besst stories I've ever read. nice job

This book choked me

There were times when I was choking up holding back tears on the train whilst reading this book. I have a new hero, for the protagonist you will read about but also for every Jewish person who suffered any loss by the Germans. Terrible truth, great read

It made me weep for the families that endured this

I wept for the families while I cheered his endurance and strength. I hope we learn acceptance and embrace diversity.

Great WWII Halocaust Book

It was a great story for young readers to enjoy and learn about the Halocaust

Dr. Halbert

A great read. Students need to know on their level what happened during that time. African Americans are not the only ones who have suffered. I couldn't wait till the end.

Excellent Book!

My 10 year old son, my husband and myself all listened to this book during a road trip. It was amazing. We all loved it.

WOW! What a great book!

An amazing and fantastic book. my 10 year old loved it. He is learning about WWII in school and this book was great for him.

wow, this is a powerful listen

Listen to the harrowing story of how Yanek, a child, was taken by the nazis, had his family and identity destroyed worked to the point of death through a vast number of concerntration camps, become prisoner B-3087. His story is one of hope, loss,, terror and determination as he prevents the Natiz destruction of his soul by becoming a man, called Jack, surviving the worst that mankind has ever shown to its kin. I am so happy for Jack and Ruth and althought it is terrible, so glad his story has been told. lest we never forget life's real heroes x