When Yankele is separated from his Jewish family as they attempt to leave Poland by train during World War II, he assumes the life of an "abandoned one." Children living on their own, drifting from town to town, on the edge of starvation, form transitory coalitions in an effort to survive. Paradoxically, Yankele is unable to remain in the confines of home when he is finally reunited with his family after years of searching, and must make periodic forays from his home to roam from place to place on his own. Based on the actual experiences of a friend of the author, Yankele's story acts as a testimonial to an ability to survive against staggering odds. Winner, 1991 CCBC Batchelder Discussion. (Age 12 and older)

Based on a true story, a young Jewish boy is driven from his home in Poland by the German invasion, becomes a refugee in the Soviet Union, is separated from his family, and undergoes many hardships before enjoying a normal home again.