Skip to content

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible...on Schindler's
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible...on Schindler's List Hardcover - 2013

by Leon Leyson; Marilyn J. Harran (With); Elisabeth B. Leyson (With)


Summary

Even in the darkest of timesâÈ'especially in the darkest of timesâÈ'there is room for strength and bravery. A remarkable memoir from Leon Leyson, one of the youngest children to survive the Holocaust on Oskar SchindlerâÈçs list.

Leon Leyson (born Leib Lezjon) was only ten years old when the Nazis invaded Poland and his family was forced to relocate to the Krakow ghetto. With incredible luck, perseverance, and grit, Leyson was able to survive the sadism of the Nazis, including that of the demonic Amon Goeth, commandant of Plaszow, the concentration camp outside Krakow. Ultimately, it was the generosity and cunning of one man, a man named Oskar Schindler, who saved Leon LeysonâÈçs life, and the lives of his mother, his father, and two of his four siblings, by adding their names to his list of workers in his factoryâÈ'a list that became world renowned: SchindlerâÈçs List.

This, the only memoir published by a former SchindlerâÈçs List child, perfectly captures the innocence of a small boy who goes through the unthinkable. Most notable is the lack of rancor, the lack of venom, and the abundance of dignity in Mr. LeysonâÈçs telling. The Boy on the Wooden Box is a legacy of hope, a memoir unlike anything youâÈçve ever read.

Details

  • Title The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible...on Schindler's List
  • Author Leon Leyson; Marilyn J. Harran (With); Elisabeth B. Leyson (With)
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition First Edition..
  • Pages 240
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York
  • Date 2013-08-27
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Dust Cover, Illustrated, Maps, Price on Product - Canadian
  • ISBN 9781442497818 / 1442497815
  • Weight 0.67 lbs (0.30 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.69 x 5.74 x 0.88 in (19.53 x 14.58 x 2.24 cm)
  • Ages 10 to 14 years
  • Grade levels 5 - 9
  • Reading level 1000
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 1940's
    • Cultural Region: Polish
    • Ethnic Orientation: Jewish
    • Religious Orientation: Jewish
    • Topical: Holocaust
  • Library of Congress subjects World War, 1939-1945 - Jews - Rescue, Schindler, Oskar
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2013017987
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

Media reviews

* âÈêLeyson, who died in January at age 83, was No. 289 on SchindlerâÈçs list and its youngest member. He was just 13 when LeysonâÈçs father convinced Oskar Schindler to let âÈêLittle LeysonâÈë (as Schindler knew him) and other family members find refuge in the Emalia factory; Leyson was so small he had to stand on a box to work the machinery. Leyson and his coauthors give this wrenching memoir some literary styling, but the book is at its most powerful when Leyson relays the events in a straightforward manner, as if in a deposition, from the shock of seeing his once-proud father shamed by anti-Semitism to the deprivation that defined his youth. Schindler remains a kindly but enigmatic figure in LeysonâÈçs retelling, occasionally doting but usually distant. Leyson makes it clear that being âÈêSchindler JewsâÈë offered a thread of hope, but it never shielded them from the chaos and evil that surrounded them. Readers will close the book feeling that they have made a genuinely personal connection to this remarkable man.âÈë

Citations

  • Booklist, 09/01/2013, Page 65
  • Horn Book Magazine, 11/01/2013, Page 117
  • Hornbook Guide to Children, 01/01/2014, Page 0
  • Kirkus Reviews, 08/01/2013, Page 0
  • Publishers Weekly, 07/01/2013, Page 0
  • School Library Journal, 11/01/2013, Page 133
  • Voice of Youth Advocates, 10/01/2013, Page 0

About the author

Leon Leyson was one of the youngest members of Schindler's List. He brings a unique perspective to the history of the Holocaust and a powerful message of courage and humanity. Believing that no one would be interested in his story, he rarely spoke about his experiences until the film Schindler's List received worldwide attention.

A graduate of Los Angeles City College; California State University, Los Angeles; and Pepperdine University, he taught at Huntington Park High School in Huntington Park, California, for thirty-nine years. In recognition of his many accomplishments as educator and witness to the Holocaust, Mr. Leyson was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Chapman University.

Mr. Leyson passed away in January 2013, leaving behind his wife, Lis; their two children; and six grandchildren.

Dr. Marilyn J. Harran is the author of The Holocuast Chronicle: A History in Words and Pictures, which has sold more than 250,000 copies. She holds the Stern Chair in Holocaust Education at Chapman University, where she is also the founding director of the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education. Dr. Harran is a 2008 recipient of the Spirit of Anne Frank Award and a member of the board of the Association of Holocaust Organizations. She lives in Orange, California.

Elizabeth B. Leyson, Leon's wife, lives in Fullerton, California.

Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List

by Leyson, Leon

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
2
Seller
Imperial, Missouri, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£3.79
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
Item Price
£3.79
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List

by Leyson, Leon; Harran, Marilyn J. [Primary Contributor]; Leyson, Elisabeth B. [Primary Contributor];

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.09
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2013-08-27. Hardcover. Good. 88x14x120.
Item Price
£4.09
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List

by Leyson, Leon

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.09
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2013-08-27. paperback. Acceptable. 5x0x7.
Item Price
£4.09
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List

by Leyson, Leon

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Interlochen, Michigan, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.79
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
Item Price
£4.79
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler's List

by Leyson, Leon

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Rotterdam , New York, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.94
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. Shows minimal wear such as frayed or folded edges, minor rips and tears, and/or slightly worn binding. May have stickers and/or contain inscription on title page. No observed missing pages.
Item Price
£4.94
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

by Leon Leyson

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
2
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2013. Hardcover. Good. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

by Leon Leyson

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
3
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2013. Hardcover. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

by Leon Leyson

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2013. Hardcover. Very Good. Disclaimer:Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

by Leon Leyson

  • Used
  • good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
7
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2013. Hardcover. Good. Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA
The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

The Boy on the Wooden Box : How the Impossible Became Possible ... on Schindler's List

by Leon Leyson

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781442497818 / 1442497815
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2013. Hardcover. Very Good. Disclaimer:Missing dust jacket; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
£5.03
FREE shipping to USA