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

By Leon Leyson

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 Leyson's 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 factory - a list that became world renowned: Schindler's List.

This, the only memoir published by a former Schindler's List child, perfectly captures the innocence of a small boy who goes through the unthinkable. Most notable is the lack of rancour, the lack of venom, and the abundance of dignity in Mr Leyson's telling. The Boy on the Wooden Boxis a legacy of hope, a memoir unlike anything you've ever read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Release date: Aug 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781471119934

Leon Leyson

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.

Reviews for The Boy on the Wooden Box

[Sindile Khumalo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved reading this book. It is a fascinating and well written inside story of how a boy and his family made it against unimaginable odds during the Holocaust. I just wished Tsalig had gotten off that train with Miriam, and explained Miriam later to Mr Schindler. I am so thankful to Mr Leyson for writing this book in spite of the painful memories he would have had as he relived that horrific period of his youth. I bless God for men like Oskar Schindler, who were used of God, regardless of whether they knew it or not. I salute the survivors for being able to rebuild their lives after the holocaust. And I thank God for all the rescuers for showing courage when it counted. Thank you to all who made this book a reality for future generations. This is a wonderful book for younger readers/teenagers, as they would all gain perspective and realize that if young Leon Leyson could survive such trauma, there is hope for them in the difficult life situations they may be facing. May God bless and keep all the Leyson family and make His face shine on them and give them peace.