Ella, a girl old enough to comprehend her surroundings but young enough to be naïve and scared, finds herself in Birchwood, a concentration camp. The Red Ribbon tells her story, a work of fiction based on a universal truth. A story of determination, fear, love, and friendship this book is an emotional journey that is simultaneously heart breaking and heart warming. As it is written from a 14 year-old's perspective the language and style are simple but effective for emoting and almost trivialising the everyday horrors of war victims. Ella and her partner in attempting survival Rose are underdogs that readers will cheer for with every turn of the page, some bringing tears, others bringing small acts of defiance. A tale of survival held together by needle, thread, and hope. Always hope.