Exodus at Midnight tells the extraordinary true story of six-year-old Janos and his family’s daring escape from Hungary to America on Christmas Eve, 1956. When oppressive rulers make life unbearable, Janos's parents make the ultimate sacrifice—leaving everything behind for the promise of freedom.

 

On the coldest, darkest night of the year, while soldiers guarding the border celebrate Christmas Eve, the Kador family embarks on a perilous midnight journey. With only a suitcase, some warm clothes, and Janos’s beloved new snow sled, they slip away from their apartment, board a crowded train, and under the cover of darkness slip over the snowy to freedom.

 

From hiding in haystacks to drinking hot chocolate by compass light, from leaving behind treasured toys to tasting their first banana in Austria, this heartwarming tale captures both the terror and wonder of starting over in a new country. Richly illustrated by Kathleen Kowal, Exodus at Midnight will captivate young readers with a six-year-old’s account of a perilous nighttime adventure while learning about bravery, resilience, and the sacrifices families make for a better life.

 

Exodus at Midnight is John Kador’s first book for children. It is dedicated to the memory of his mother, Marianne Kador (1925-2025).