Forced Journey

Escaping Nazi-controlled Germany in 1939, Werner struggles to create a new life in New York City. At least Werner had a goal - get a foothold in America; a place to live, a home. Then Father had promised that he and Werner's little sister would follow. This dimly burning ember of hope lit the boy's path. Along the way Werner meets a charming, mischievous fellow refugee named Anika, uses his fists with neighborhood bullies and makes a friend, Sam, while caring for his new Mutti, Esther. In Werner's struggle to find a safe home in the U.S.A., he travels across the city from Second Avenue to Central Park to Harlem and back again. Forced Journey: the Saga of Werner Berlinger was inspired by true accounts of children who fled Nazi-held Europe and came to America.

Rosemary Zibart of Santa Fe, NM

Rosemary Zibart is an award-winning playwright and children’s book author. Her charming picture books include “I have a Grandma who…” (for passionate boomer grandmas) and Kit Coyote: A Brave Pup (for foster children). Her first two middle grade novels, True Brit and Forced Journey, featured youths dislocated by World War 2, and both won the New Mexico Book Award for historic fiction and a Silver Nautilus Award for historical fiction. An upcoming book in this series, Beatrice, focuses on a Japanese Internment Camp built outside Santa Fe which angers locals. Ms. Zibart lives in Santa Fe with her husband and family. Learn more about her at www.rosemaryzibart.com.