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WHAT WORLD IS LEFT (Orca, 2008)
She also discovers that even the grayest of days can be brightened by a friend's smile or a lover's kiss. This novel was inspired by the experiences of Celien Spier, the author's mother. Until Monique Polak began doing the research for this book, her mother had never discussed her experience in Theresienstadt. In addition to winning the 2009 Quebec Writers' Federation Prize for Children's and YA Literature, What World Is Left was nominated for the American Library Association's YALSA 2009 Best Book Award, named a 2009 TriState Book of Note, included on Booklist's 2008 Editor's Choice list, on Resource Links' Best Books for 2008, and nominated for the Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award. "...heartbreaking.... The details are unforgettable.... An important addition to the Holocaust curriculum" -- Booklist (American Library Association) "a powerful story of growing up in unspeakable conditions, of human suffering, loss and, ultimately, hope" -- Halifax Chronicle Herald "a candid look at a father's presumed collusion, a perspective rarely seen in YA literature about the Holocaust" -- Publishers Weekly "The pressure and urgency of inspiration, not to mention tears and blood, is palpable everywhere in Montrealer Polak's fictionalized account of her mother's experience in the Theresienstadt concentration camp.... one of the best novels I read in 2008" -- Montreal Gazette “'Polak’s work ... takes the reader to the heart of the horror by creating a character whose vivid confusion, disbelief, and innocence are immediate and powerful" -- Rover Montreal "This book certainly holds its own in the canon of Holocaust-based fiction for the young adult audience. The narrative voice is a real teenager, dealing with real teen issues of growing up in unimaginably challenging circumstances, and to Polak's credit never verging on hysteria or self-pity" -- Resource Links "Montreal writer Monique Polak's affecting new historical novel ... is written with a clarity and freshness that makes it enjoyable reading despite the grim subject matter. Unlike Theresienstadt, Polak has seen that no 'embellishment' is needed when the story is told with the frankfulness of youth" -- The Canadian Jewish News "Monique Polak's reputation as a highly respected author of young adult books grows with each book she publishes. With her latest book, What World Is Left, that reputation should climb by several leaps and bounds.... What World Is Left is a moving, yet courageous novel of love and survival in the midst of unspeakable inhumanity. Young adult readers will do themselves a service to read this book and find out how the Holocaust not only affected adults, but also children in a major way" -- The West End Times "a very personal, thought-provoking and, ultimately, hopeful book" -- The Jewish Independent "There are many books for young adults about the Holocaust. What sets this one apart is the setting" -- Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group "While full of details about the horrors of a concentration camp, the novel is also full of hope as Anneke wishes to bear witness to all that she has experienced.... This volume makes for great reading and an excellent resource" -- Canadian Children's Book News "This well-written, painful story is a good addition to the genre of Holcaust fiction. Many of these stories are written from the point of view of death camp victims, and very few from the point of view of the citizens of Theresienstadt" -- Library Media Connection "An animatedly-written teen novel by the daughter of a Dutch family sent to Theresienstadt.... The story invented by the author is touching and brings an immediacy of experience" -- Jewish Book World "Polak presents an incredible perspective on life during the Holocaust.... The novel is intriguing and quite unique. It is easy to relate to Anneke, as she wrestles with the meaning of love, truth, faith, and family.... The reader will undoubtedly find much to think about" -- What If? Book Reviews
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Comments (35)
fien benninga-warendorf
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... italked to my uncle yesterday in port washington, frans ullman, and he told me about your latest book, which is not mentioned yet on your site. apparently it's about the war and what happened to your mother and the grandparents. could you send it to me, I can pay for it by creditcard. Did we meet 5 years ago on oom frans's 90th brithday? I enjoued reading your site. my love also to your mother, fien benninga-warendorf |
angella
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monique heey me again i loved your book about your mom because it reminds me of what my mom said to me  |
Annie
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Me again LUUUUUUVVVVVVV ur book. i was tryin 2 be like those booklist people all prim and proper but really my bff read it and my good guy friend. some nasty parts but they said it was gooooooooddddddd |
Monique Polak
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Hey Annie! Hey, Annie, Great to get your messages. Have we met at one of my book talks here in Montreal -- or do you live some place far away from here? In any case, it's great to get comments from readers -- and I'm delighted that my book What World Is Left "spoke" to you! Have a great weekend wherever you are!! |
Keisha Sparks
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Hey Monique I really really enjoyed this book it made me sad and it also made me happy knowing they all survived I WOULD READ THIS BOOK OVER AND OVER AGAIN  [removed]void(0); |
Monique Polak
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Wow! Now, Keisha, that is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about What World Is Left -- that you would read it over and over again! Thanks for giving me a big smile!! |
Keisha Sparks
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hey Anytime its true though I really did Love the book I hope When I write I'm as good as you |
Jen
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Hi! Hey Monique! I am Jen from Solomon Schechter and I was present when you spoke at the Jewish Public Library! I wanted to ask you a question: How has learning about your mother's experience in the Holocaust affected your life? |
melissa
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... Hey Monique! I was just wondering what had interested you in writing books about the Holocaust and your family? |
Monique
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Hi Jen and Melissa, So you guys have left me some questions to answer and here I go. Jen, you asked how learning about my mum's experience during the Holocaust has affected my life. It's a good question and goes deep. Learning my mum's story has made me open my heart to her more than before. I mean, you always love your mum, but mums can sometimes drive us crazy. I feel more WHOLE now that I know her story. Hope this answers your question. Melissa, you ask what got me interested in writing a book about the Holocaust and my family. Though What World Is Left is my 9th book, it is definitely the book I always wanted and needed to write -- I just didn't think I was ready to tackle it as a writer sooner than I did. Though my mum never talked about her experience in the war, her past kind of "hung" in my childhood home. Also, though the Holocaust happened more than 50 years ago, I think it's important to remember it, especially since survivors like my mum are aging and won't be around forever. If we don't get survivors' stories soon, we may never get them. Hope these answers make good sense to you. Thanks for asking them and for your interest in my story!! |
Jayda
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... Hi, Monique! I read your book from my library in school and it was soooooo good!!!!!!!!!! I hope to read junkyard dog and the middle of everywhere really soon! Oh and you really taught me something about your culture., because before I just knew a little bit about the jewish people and the Nazis but now I know a lot more!  Thank you! |
sofie
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... wow, this book was amazing, truly amazing! I loved it so much! It was so inspiring, and it was a great leaning experience too.I just appreciate this book so much, I just can't get over how good it is! thank you, sofie |
Jamie
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... i am reading What World is Left and it's amazing. Every now and then, i'll just take a look at the cover and think about the necklace, you told us students about at the workshop. I'm not even finished the story yet, im savouring it and trying to make it last. I know this will be one of my favorite books already. You have inspired me to write, Monique, thank you for that. I look forward to reading What World is Left, over and over again. you are my hero. |
Stephen Alarcon
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... my name is Stephen and what world is left is honestly the greatest book i've ever read and trust me I have read 2 billion books. i'm a 13 year-old and just like you, I adore writing. I dream of being a writer one day more than anything in the world! You've inspired me monique. You are truly my favorite writer! keep u p the good work monique and have a great life! |
Sara
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... Hello, Ms. Polak! My name is Sara, and I'm a 15 year old from Minnesota in the United States. I read your book, "What World is Left," and I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed it. The book made me think about my own life and how fortunate I am to have what I have, and that I am blessed with wonderful friends and family. The parts in this story that really stood out to me were Anneke getting her tonsils taken out, and when the children stand in a line passing down the cardboard boxes. I can't even imagine that. Anyway, thank you for writing this story. Your writing is addicting, and I will definitely check out some of your other books in the future. Thank you for your time, Sara |
maire
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wow this book was the best i have ever seen i am the age of Anneke in the book and this book has really changed the way i look at things, |
Krystal
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Hey Monique. I thought your book was amazing, it taught me alot about the war. I am from New Zealand and i havn't been taught about the concentration camps before. So thanks!  |
Monique
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... I'm just back from holiday and wanted to say thanks to those of you who've written to me recently about What World Is Left. As you can imagine, that book is very close to my heart because the material is so sensitive. Krystal, it's exciting for me to hear from a reader in NEW ZEALAND! I'm glad my book has helped you learn more about the Holocaust. Best wishes to all of you from Monique |
Jessica Simone
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Monique Dear Monique, I really can't wait to read this book,it looks sooo intresting!! Jessica |
Sabrina
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What World Is Left Hi Monique, Recently you visited my high school , Rosemere High. I enjoyed hearing your stories and would like to buy your book '' What World Is Left '' , I was wondering where I can buy it ? Can you please let me know. Thank You. -Sabrina- |
Kelly P
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I LOVED IT I just finished your book and all i can say is WOW, I loved your book it made me laugh, cry and smile! I wanna read it again! I got it from the libray so im gonna try buy it  Thanks for writing such an amazing informative book, Im gonna choose it to do my english essay on haha ! Thanks again, - From Kelly in New Zealand |
Olivia Parsons
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Amazing book Monique, This book was amazing! I thought it was really funny when Theo slept in the bathtub to aoid the bedbugs! I know a book is good when I can share the same feeling as th main character. I am very odd in the sense that I like books that will make me cry ...this book was perfect! I also plan on reading Miracleville! I cant wait for ou to come visit us at school (mrs.Cochrane's homeroom class)! Olivia |
Vickee
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Wow Great Book I had to read this book for my grade 10 English idependent study unit (ISU) and I loved it, I couldn't put it down. It was a really great book, you did such a good job making it feel realistic. Good thing I loved it because I had to do three projects on it, haha. Well just wanted to say I loved it, good job on the book! Its going to stay with me forever. |
Monique P
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... Hey Vickee! Your comment got my day off to a great start! Thanks so much for posting here. Of all my books, What World Is Left, is the closest to my heart. I wish you could meet my mum -- you'd be really inspired! In spite of everything she's gone through, she has an amazing sense of humour and an incredible, positive spirit. Did you know that she knew Anne Frank? In the book, the character Eva (another student at the Jewish school in Amsterdam) is based on Anne Frank. If you post again, let me know where you live. I'm wondering if your school is in Canada or the U.S. I bet you did well on those projects. I can tell from your post that you're a good writer! best wishes, Monique |
Vickee
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... Wow your mother knew Anne Frank? That's really amazing. It neat because my friend is doing a project on the Diary of Anne Frank so we have recently been talking a lot about it. I live in Canada, Pickering, Ontario and I go to a local high school called Dunbarton. I got 90% and above on 2 of my projects, but they were so easy to do because its so interesting. I'm still working on the third haha, thank you for the compliment! |
Juliana
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I loved this book. Monique, I loved this book! It happens to be my favorite book of all time! I love the characters and the story was very well-done. Good job. |
Monique P
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... Hey Juliana! Thanks for your message! I'm happy my book is your favourite book of all time! Yippee! And you know what? Your message arrived on a day I was feeling a little overwhelmed by work, and you gave me the energy to keep going! Happy reading and stay in touch! |
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