The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman

I was not expecting what I found behind the pages of The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman! This is a powerful book disguised with lots of humor. Until I began reading, I had no idea what to expect. I had never heard of a "dybbuk" (a Jewish spirit) so I did not, despite even looking at the cover (I didn't really look at it long enough), equate the story with the Holocaust. But that is exactly what the story is about.
The main character, Freddie, was an American soldier in World War II. He is now living in Europe traveling as second-rate ventriloquist. Freddie meets up with the dybbuk who has a few things to teach him about the art of ventriloquy and even more to teach him about the Holocaust. Through Freddie, the dybbuk has a chance to right some wrongs, and to educate others about Jewish atrocities.
The way Fleischman presents this seriously sensitive information is nothing short of amazing. The story is never boring and has a great humor to it. I am not sure it is exactly a children's book or Young Adult novel as it was placed in my library, but as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I would recommend it to a high school student, especially one looking for information on the topic of the Holocaust. From reading Sid Fleischman's Author Note, I can tell a lot of preparation went into this story. It contains a lifetime of knowledge and so much pain. I feel so good about reading it.