The PJ Our Way Advisory Committee Reviews The End of the Line

Here’s what they had to say about it:

1. What was your favorite thing about this book?

2. This book is about the kindness of strangers, a core value in Judaism. Has a stranger ever helped you?

• I remember when was in Grade Two or Three. I was in a stroller and I was going on the subway but the wheels got jammed in the crack and a stranger helped get me on the train.
• One time I forgot my lunch at home. I was just standing there feeling kinda sad, and then this super popular guy came up to me. He asked if I was okay, and I told him I forgot my lunch. He pulled out a granola bar from his backpack and gave it to me.
• When I went to New York City, I was at a Pokemon store and a nice man gave me Pokemon cards.

3. Have you ever helped a stranger?

• Once I helped an Israeli kid who came to school. I showed her around and spoke to her in Hebrew.
• One time, I was at the park with my friends, and this little kid dropped her ice cream. She started crying because it was all over the ground. I felt so bad for her, so I gave her the rest of my ice cream. She stopped crying and smiled, and it made me feel really happy to help.
• When I was in a cardboard cave at Carter Cave State Resort Park, I helped a kid get through a tunnel and find their parents.
• I have helped a stranger before when I was in a restaurant bathroom by telling them there was someone in the stall so it was not open.

4. Does this book remind you of any other books?

• It does remind me of a couple other books, such as The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz, and Leeva at Last and Here in the Real World, both by Sara Pennypacker.
• This book reminds me of Just a Girl and Searching for Lottie.
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, since that book is about a young girl helping her Jewish friend escape the Nazis, just like how the characters in The End of the Line are trying to escape danger. Both books make you think about bravery and doing whatever it takes to survive.
• This reminds me of A Sky Full of Song because of the Yiddish words in the book.

5. Anything else you want to add about The End of the Line?

I love the character Beatrix and I think many other kids will feel for her too with her kind-hearted and gentle nature. I love the ending because it is a big shock that partly wants to make you want to cry but also makes you want to smile by showing a little look the future. - Phoebe

Interested in applying to join the Advisory Committee so you can review books for us? Send an email to designteam@pjourway.org!