Reviews

Gr 6-12-Beginning with the Jewish ``Legend of the Just,'' this biography eases readers into the life of the man who led efforts to save Hungarian Jews from Nazi extermination. Frequent dialogue and a few scenes (noted by the author) with characters that are composites of people who Wallenberg knew might arouse suspicions of the text's accuracy, especially since no bibliography is included, but comparisons with John Bierman's Righteous Gentile (Viking, 1981) and Frederick Werbell and Thurston Clarke's Lost Hero (McGraw-Hill, 1981; o.p.) reveal consistent depictions of events, although dialogue is mildly different in each version. Linnea's book, much shorter than the aforementioned two, flows with a storyteller's narration and quickly draws readers into the urgent and horrifying state of affairs in Hungary in 1944. The inclusion of photos by Wallenberg's photographer adds authority to the text. Younger readers might have an easier time with Anita Larsen's Raoul Wallenberg (Crestwood, 1992), but Linnea's title is excellent for YAs, who will surely be inspired to find out more.-Linda Tashbook, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA