Just Freddy

Book Description

The Amazon No.1 Best Seller.

Just Freddy is the story of a young boy growing up in 1930s Germany, whose life takes a dramatic turn for the worse when Hitler and his Nazi government come to power; resulting in a split-second decision that might just save his life.

Inspired by true events, the book charts Freddy's journey from a happy childhood surrounded by a large and loving family, to his departure from Germany with nothing but the clothes on his back. It is a rare third-generation narration of an historic story, told for modern audiences.

"Just Freddy is a personal testimony with the mission of all survivors at its core; that we should teach our children so we might finally learn that message from over a century ago; that the world must never forget the past or we are doomed to repeat it." - Rob Rinder, MBE

The perfect read for fans of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Book Thief, Irena's Children, When the World was Ours, and The Promise.

Review

"Beautifully written. A perfect first port of call for learners in this subject and delivers a number of key 'stop off' points for further discussion."
-Sam B, Secondary School Teacher

"Riveting - well written and fantastically descriptive. The story is told in such a meaningful way for youngsters in the next generations."
-Monica S, Holocaust Educator

"I felt immersed in the world the author created and was genuinely moved by what was happening. The characterisation and description of the plot and setting are so vivid and precise. I think this is brilliant and works as a really effective and powerful insight into what it must have been like to be a Jewish child in Nazi Germany."
-Paul B, Secondary School teacher

From the Back Cover

It's June 1927 and in the small German market town of Montabaur, Freddy Stern, an ordinary boy is celebrating his twelfth birthday with his friends and family. The 'streusel' cake, ice-cold lemonade and a brand-new bike make sure it's one of the happiest days Freddy has known - but all that changes shortly after when he hears a new word during the Rabbi's sermon in Synagogue... Hitler.

As the Nazi propaganda and control begin to take hold, Freddy becomes alienated as his friends desert him and the community turns against the Jews. His life comes crashing down on Kristallnacht when the family home is ransacked, and his parents are arrested and taken away.

A new start at a new school gives Freddy the opportunity to start again, but just when he is beginning to feel happiness returning, things take a dramatic turn and Freddy is forced to make a split-second decision; one that might just be the difference between life or death.

About the Author

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Joel Stern realised from a young age that there was an 'elephant in the room' when it came to the story of his grandfather Freddy's escape from Nazi Germany. It was during a year living in Israel and on multiple visits to the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem that Joel really became fascinated by this subject and yearned for more information about his great-grandparents, who he knew had perished in Hitler's concentration camps. Despite only ever hearing small snippets of Freddy's story while he was alive, after his grandfather passed away, Joel wanted to piece this story together and put it into a format he could use to introduce his family's history during this dark episode to his own children. Just Freddy is his first book.