Upon the Head of the Goat
Upon the Head of the Goat
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 1976
Book Brief
Upon the Head of the Goat
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 1976324
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Hungary • 1930s-1940s
1976
Middle grade
12-18 years
830L
Super Short Summary
Upon the Head of the Goat: A Childhood in Hungary 1939-1944 by Aranka Siegal narrates the story of young Piri’s experiences living through the Nazi expansion in Eastern Europe, starting in rural Ukraine and moving to urban Hungary, where her family faces war, anti-Semitic persecution, and deployment, ultimately leading to their deportation to Auschwitz-Birkenau. The book contains graphic depictions of the Holocaust.
Dark
Unnerving
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,625 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Aranka Siegal's Upon the Head of the Goat has been celebrated for its poignant and vivid portrayal of a child's experience during WWII. Critics praise its emotional depth and historical accuracy, though some note a slow pacing in parts. Overall, it offers a powerful, educational perspective on a harrowing period, appealing to both young adults and older readers.
Who Should Read Upon the Head of the Goat?
A reader who would enjoy Upon the Head of the Goat by Aranka Siegal is typically interested in historical memoirs and World War II narratives. Fans of The Diary of Anne Frank and Number the Stars will appreciate this poignant tale of resilience and survival through Piri's childlike perspective, depicting life in Hungary during the war.
1,625 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
324
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Hungary • 1930s-1940s
1976
Middle grade
12-18 years
830L
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!