Finding Hope in Despair: Lessons from Freedom’s Game by Rosanne Tolin

by jewishbooks · April 18, 2025

Illustrator: Vali Mintzi

“You know what’s as important as physical strength?” Elka snapped. “Hope. (page 157)

How do you find hope in a situation where everything of value seems to have been gone? The “everything” includes not just your loved ones, parents, siblings, but also your home, every single element of your life. You are dislocated and in a foreign land, constantly on the move. It is not just that the “safe space” is gone, but the concept itself is unimaginably distant. And you are a 12-year-old child, being pushed from one place to another with the “hope” that the next one will be safe. You know from the bottom of your heart–after everything you went through, after watching your family being forcibly taken away — that this is a false hope. And you are only a child who feels the need to show bravery to the little ones.

This is the opening premise of Freedom’s Game, set in 1942 as our young hero gets shoved around war-torn Europe. At this point, he is more of a victim than a hero. It is heart-wrenching, but as it is written for middle schoolers, the horrors of the Holocaust are not too explicitly described. But even without the graphic details of the utmost atrocities, the readers get the feel, logic (or lack of), and atmosphere of the cruelty of the era and the perpetrators. The book strikes a fine balance between optimism and desperation, and neither shies away from more complex psychological reactions.

There are two reasons I loved this book. The first is the real and multilayered answers it provides about the “how to find hope” question. The answer, as almost always, is love. More specifically, finding community, camaraderie, and companionship can give you the power to overcome anything. The children form a community in the face of adversity, and this gives them strength. The idea of escape and a better future is a source of hope for them. This is a lesson we all need to remember during challenging times. Although the challenges for most us is very different than that of nazi persecuted children, but one has to wonder for how long and feel empathy and provide support to those, who live through similar circumstances today.

Every single character in the book has experienced the loss of their family and home and is living in a state of uncertainty. Despite this, they demonstrate resilience and a determination to survive to a varying degree, of course. They all struggle with their demons and nightmares. Their teacher recognizes the power of joy, though and offers every opportunity to experience it to strengthen their spirit. The endorphins often associated with the feeling of a runner’s high are released, encouraged, and strategically utilized.

The children also learn valuable lessons about the importance of secrecy, trust, courage, and the effects of resistance. They are constantly reminded to be cautious and avoid drawing attention to themselves, as spies are everywhere. It’s hard for them to know who to trust. At the same time thought the story also highlights acts of resistance against the Nazis, showing characters risking their lives to help others.

The other aspect of the book that I enjoyed the most is the story itself and its telling. Please read the Author’s Note at the end of the book to learn the true story behind the fictionalized version. It is real history, with real heroes. Rewritten in a very palatable way for middle schoolers. It is a page-turner, not just because of the excitement and the curiosity building up in the reader about the mysteries and secrets. But also because the emotional depths, maturity, and evolution are masterfully depicted. Here are just five sentences as examples that touched my own emotions.

Two winters had passed since he’d seen pure joy on someone’s face. He wanted to hold on to that. (p 66)
Was it worth the risk, to satisfy his curiosity? The answer was yes. Whatever the outcome, he had to warn Elka. (p 122)
The sad thought tugged at Elka like a current, until she circled back to anger, because it was easier to deal with than grief—and then the endless loop would start again. (p 160)
She was too stunned, too angry for tears. Fate was cruel. (p 191)
Ziggy didn’t want to accept his fate. He wanted to survive. Survival meant accepting help. (p 218)

In conclusion, Freedom’s Game masterfully navigates the harrowing experiences of a young boy in war-torn Europe, exploring profound themes of hope, resilience, and community amid despair. Through a delicate balance of optimism and the harsh realities of the Holocaust, the narrative emphasizes the strength found in camaraderie and the enduring human spirit. The characters, each grappling with loss and uncertainty, embody the lessons of trust, courage, and resistance, making it a poignant read for middle schoolers. Ultimately, this book serves not only as a gripping tale but also as a reminder of the importance of empathy and support for those facing adversity today.

Author’s website: rosannetolin.com, on Instagram and on X

The book’s page on the publisher’s website

Disclaimer: I have received a copy of this book and a small amount from the author, which did not affect my review.

Year first published: 2024