Hautzig’s narrative stands as a compelling testament to the myriad stories of survival and resilience born out of World War II. This period serves as a fertile backdrop for narratives that explore the human spirit's ability to endure and resist in the face of unimaginable hardship. These stories, often autobiographical, contribute to a distinct subgenre within young adult literature, where individual experiences resonate with universal themes of struggle and hope. Hautzig’s The Endless Steppe emerges as a seminal work in this category, published shortly after the English version of Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl saw the light in 1967. It paved the way for other poignant memoirs such as Sonia Levitin's Journey to America in 1970, Judith Kerr's When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit in 1971, and Johanna Reiss's The Upstairs Room in 1972.

What sets Hautzig’s tale apart is her unyielding honesty in depicting the complexities of her family dynamics, painting her characters with rich authenticity. Her narrative immerses readers in the emotional landscape of her world; they can almost feel the desperate longing for acceptance that defines her journey. Readers witness the raw, palpable despair of her grandmother and the stoic pride that prevents her mother from seeking help. Hautzig’s gift lies in breathing life into these characters, making them vivid and relatable figures to her audience. This ability, paired with her exceptionally engaging writing style, ensures that The Endless Steppe remains one of the most compelling examples of war-survival stories aimed at children and young adults.