The Boy Behind the Door is historical fiction inspired by a true story. It recounts events that transpired in the Nazi occupied Netherlands from May 1940 to the end of WWII. It involves the reader in the life of an orphaned 15 year old Jewish teenager named Salomon, who is dealing with the normal emotional angst of maturing in an abnormal world. Salomon's family had been captured during a Nazi roundup. He escaped and is alone. Holland had a large population of Nazi party members and collaborators making Solomon's need to avoid capture, as well as find food and safe shelter, especially dangerous. He does not know who he can trust or who might recognize and betray him for a reward. Yet, in order to survive he must trust someone. Even when Solomon does find a safe haven, it is only temporary, in order to protect the harboring family. Solomon had to mature in the absence of a role model or mentor. He had to learn to control his turbulent emotions and come to terms with his ever-changing and hazardous situation. His decisions were a matter of life or death. The character of Solomon is portrayed with sensitivity and realism, and details his struggle to survive. It is often difficult to find young adult Holocaust literature that will interest teenage boys, but this book is up to the task. Further, it is appealing to a good reader and accessible to a below-grade reader. For ages 11 and up.

—Naomi Kramer, Jewish Book World Magazine