The Puppet Boy of Warsaw – Eva Weaver

When fourteen-year-old Mika finds himself trapped in the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto, his grandfather hand-makes him a puppet to offer a glint of hope. When his grandfather is killed, Mika inherits his coat — and discovers a secret pocket hidden inside, filled with puppetry treasures. Mika begins staging puppet shows for the children of the ghetto, offering moments of light and laughter amidst unimaginable darkness.

But when a German soldier named Max discovers Mika's secret talent, Mika is forced to perform for the Nazi troops. Spanning decades and moving from war-torn Poland to post-war Siberia and London, this deeply moving story explores survival, human connection, and the surprising power of art to heal across generations.

Acclaimed for its poignant narrative, unique perspective on the Warsaw Ghetto, and powerful themes of redemption. Highly recommended across WWII historical fiction communities for its heart-wrenching emotional depth and unforgettable portrayal of resilience.

Essential for readers of Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Heather Morris's The Tattooist of Auschwitz, or Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale.

A paperback (2013) in Very Good condition — minimal shelf wear, tight binding, clean interior pages.