Escaping Nazi-controlled Germany in 1939, Werner struggles to create a new life in New York City. At least Werner had a goal - get a foothold in America; a place to live, a home. Then Father had promised that he and Werner's little sister would follow. This dimly burning ember of hope lit the boy's path. Along the way Werner meets a charming, mischievous fellow refugee named Anika, uses his fists with neighborhood bullies and makes a friend, Sam, while caring for his new Mutti, Esther. In Werner's struggle to find a safe home in the U.S.A., he travels across the city from Second Avenue to Central Park to Harlem and back again. Forced Journey: the Saga of Werner Berlinger was inspired by true accounts of children who fled Nazi-held Europe and came to America.