Impossible Escape

A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe

By: Steve Sheinkin

Narrated by: Rob Shapiro

From three-time National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor author Steve Sheinkin, a true story of two Jewish teenagers racing against time during the Holocaust―one in hiding in Hungary, and the other in Auschwitz, plotting escape.

It is 1944. A teenager named Rudolf (Rudi) Vrba has made up his mind. After barely surviving nearly two years in the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, he knows he must escape. Even if death is more likely.

Rudi has learned the terrible secret hidden behind the heavily guarded fences of concentration camps across Nazi-occupied Europe: the methodical mass killing of Jewish prisoners. As trains full of people arrive daily, Rudi knows that the murders won’t stop until he reveals the truth to the world―and that each day that passes means more lives are lost.

Lives like Rudi’s schoolmate Gerta Sidonová. Gerta’s family fled from Slovakia to Hungary, where they live under assumed names to hide their Jewish identity. But Hungary is beginning to cave under pressure from German Nazis. Her chances of survival become slimmer by the day.

The clock is ticking. As Gerta inches closer to capture, Rudi and his friend Alfred Wetzler begin their crucial steps towards an impossible escape.

This is the true story of one of the most famous whistleblowers in the world, and how his death-defying escape helped save over 100,000 lives.

Amazing Story

great narration and story is heartbreaking but needs to be told and listened to. I highly recommend to everyone.

Best WW2 book I’ve read ever read!!!

The way it was written was incredible and the storyline even better! Can’t way for the next one!!!

Very informative

Historically well written. Narrative was superb. Never forget, never again. Will listen to again and again.

Wow!

I knew, but I didn’t really know. How can anyone not be physically moved at this story. This book comes at such a crucial point in world history. It can happen again if we let it.

Looking for a class read aloud?

Steve Sheinkin’s work weaves together several powerful narratives and enough background history that the result is a riveting and moving read aloud for middle school and up. Highly recommend!