We Are Children Just the Same: Vedem, the Secret Magazine by the Boys of Terezin [Hardcover]

Paul R Wilson (Editor), Vaclav Havel (Foreword)

Book Description

A National Jewish Book Award Winner

Prepared and selected by Marie Rut Krizkova, Kurt Jiri Kotouc, and Zdenek Ornest. Translated from the Czech by R. Elizabeth Novak

From 1942 to 1944 Jewish boys imprisoned at the model concentration camp Theresienstad secretly produced a weekly magazine called Vedem (In the Lead). It contained essays, interviews, poems, and artwork written behind the blackout shades of their cellblock. The material was saved by one boy who survived the Holocaust but was suppressed for 50 years in Czechoslovakia. It provides a poignant glimpse at the world of boys whose lives were turned upside down: separated from their families and ultimately, for the majority, killed. Includes black and white photographs, and color and black and white illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Czech

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society; First Edition edition (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8085277506
• ISBN-13: 978-0827605343
• ASIN: 082760534X
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #869,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars emotional ride into the odyssey of the terror of the Terezin, January 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: We Are Children Just the Same: Vedem, the Secret Magazine by the Boys of Terezin (Hardcover)

As the daughter of one of the authors I have heard all the stories of the holocaust and how the boys of room L417 found refuge in "Vedem" without their parents. I believe strongly that had the boys survived they would have shared a lot with the world. By simply reading a few lines of Petr Ginz's poems,art and stories you realise that he would have excelled had he had the chance which unfortunetely was cruelly torn from him. Even worse is the fact that he was not alone. Most readers do not realise that they were little boys who were taken out of their homes and away from all that they knew before the age 15 and some as young as 10.This book relates to children because it does not describe in detail the horrors but more so the small "joys" of the camp. Adults can relate because the work and articles emit the feelings of the citizens in hell. Therefore this book is truly a wonderful piece of work. For those who are interested: the book will be published in paperback soon.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Voices of the Voiceless, October 12, 2000

By 

Greg Thomas (Memphis. Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Are Children Just the Same: Vedem, the Secret Magazine by the Boys of Terezin (Hardcover)

I have toured the USA with a production of BRUNDIBAR, the children's opera from Theresienstadt, for two years and I served on the Alabama Holocaust Commission. To truly understand Theresienstadt (Terezin) and the Holocaust this is a MUST read. Here, in their own words are relfections, poetry, and day to day recollections of Hitler's "model camp" known as Theresienstadt through the eyes of the boys from L417 who were between 12-14 years old. The book details the beginnings of the "Republic of Shkid" and using photographs, poetry, and authentic works of art, the book gives the reader a truly rare and inspiring glimpse into concentration camp life. If you really dare to begin to understand anything about the Holocaust then begin with this book! Vedem - "In the Lead" will forever lead me!

5.0 out of 5 stars Forgotten History, September 12, 2011

By 

Jacqueline Martin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: We Are Children Just the Same: Vedem, the Secret Magazine by the Boys of Terezin (Hardcover)

Ordered this book to gain insight into the young minds of the boys at Terezin. Haven't read all of it yet but would reccommend it to others with simular interest.