It's 1943. Eva and her sister have been separated from their parents and sent to live in a girl’s home in the walled city of Terezín, where thousands of other Czech Jews face hunger, disease, and fear of transport to the unknown “East.”

Despite this, Eva believes her parents are alive, and she is desperate to find a way to reach them. The one bright spot for Eva is the children's opera, being staged by a famous Jewish composer who is also imprisoned in the city. When the Nazis learn about the opera, they see it as an opportunity to spin their mistreatment of those in camps and ghettos into propaganda, especially to ease the concerns of the Red Cross.

When news spreads that the Red Cross is coming to a performance, Eva believes it is her chance to tell the whole world about the horrible things happening behind the ghetto walls and perhaps reunite with her parents. How will she and her fellow performers be able to make them understand the truth of the situation in Terezín?

Based on the true story of the Brundibár opera, this upper middle grade novel for ages 10-14 is an example in how humanity can be found even in the most inhumane places. A historical note at the end, written by Holocaust education director Ilyse Shainbrown, goes into further detail about the Terezín camp's history.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection