The Island on Bird Street [Turtleback]

Uri Orlev (Author)

Product Details

• Turtleback
• Publisher: Demco Media (January 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606005218
• ISBN-13: 978-0606005210
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,359,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Uri Orlev was born in Warsaw in 1931. In 1996, Uri Orlev received the the highest international recognition given to an author of children's books. He now lives in Jerusalem.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book, July 11, 2000

By 

"ronjc" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Island on Bird Street (Paperback)

I saw the movie "The Island on Bird Street" with my son and husband recently. It was such a touching film that we saw it again. I cried and will never forget the film. It should get an Academy award. After we saw the film, I ordered the book from Amazon because I wanted to know more about what happened to Alex. The first part of the book moves a little slow, but it needs to to describe all the characters and what is happening. The last half of the book is so moving I couldn't put the book down. I think it would be a great book for all kids to read in school when they are studying about WWII. But even without the historical backdrop, it is a powerful book showing how a young boy can overcome such awful odds and still survive. Alex struggles to survive by finding food in the ghetto with his pet mouse, Snow, and by making a hidden home in the ghetto. His lonliness is overcome by reading and meeting a few friends a long the way. He waits for months for his father to return not knowing if his father is alive or not. His faith that his father will come back for him sustains him. I think the book gives hope that we can overcome great adversity with faith and resourcefulness. I would definitely recommend the book and movie.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Informative Book, April 1, 2003

By 

Lauren B. (Somewhere over the rainbow) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Island on Bird Street (Paperback)

This is an interesting book that really brings you into the mind of a Jewish child living during the Holocaust. It tells the story of an 11 year old boy named Alex who lives with his father in the Warsaw Ghetto.
One horrible day, Alex's father leaves and Alex is forced to live in a bombed out house on 78 Bird Street. There he must learn how to survive in the always threatening conditions. Until his father returns, Alex must always be on alert. The main character's bravery and courage is inspiring to all who read this book. At times it could be a bit dull, but over all this book was wonderful. Anyone who loves to sit down with a good book should read The Island on Bird Street.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book., October 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Island on Bird Street (Paperback)

I happened upon this book in our school library. It is an easy and incredible read. Growing up we have heard of the horrors but this book puts a real human spin on it all. The young boy learns independance and resourcefullness in an amazing short amount of time. Though there is tragedy it has a happy ending. Its kind of a sad, feel good story for just about 10years old and up.