You know how my son and I will be studying World War 2 this year? Breaking it down over two semesters to make for two history credits. Means lots of in-depth work. My son likes to dig deeply into topics. Survivors of the Holocaust I think will make a good addition to our studies. Six stories, six children, affected by the war. Six children facing devastation because they were Jewish. Not an easy read, but a necessary one yes?
What I am Reviewing
Survivors of the Holocaust: true stories of six extraordinary children.
Kath Shackleton (editor)
Zane Whittingham.
Sourcebooks
Reviewed for Raincoast books.
Trade paperback, 96 pages, grades 3-7, ages 10-14
History, holocaust, Jewish, biography, historical biography, middle school, World War 2, WWII, graphic, comics, true life
This extraordinary graphic novel tells the true stories of six Jewish children and young people who survived the Holocaust. From suffering the horrors of Auschwitz, to hiding from Nazi soldiers in war-torn Paris, to sheltering from the Blitz in England, each true story is a powerful testament to the survivors’ courage. These remarkable testimonials serve as a reminder never to allow such a tragedy to happen again.
Details of Survivors of the Holocaust
Six people make up the stories in this true life tome. Six children, families torn apart in Hitler’s world during the war. Children from Nuremberg, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Poland, Paris and in the area between Poland and Germany called the Polenaktion. Some with their families, and some without. Children with hard memories stored, and some needing help to remember this terrible time.
Told in a graphic novel format we are given the highlights of their difficult time. Tidbits of the good in people were included, like the kindertransport where Jewish children were taken to safety in Britain, or the kindness of a lady pretending a child was her daughter. Things that mattered, events I want to know more about.
I found each section easy to tell apart as the main colours used changed with each individual. The typeset was a good size and easy to read (always a concern for me with graphic books).
I absolutely adored that we were left with the children in difficult straits. At the close of the book we were given an update into their lives. They went on to live full lives, though some still search for their lost families.
Thoughts/Recommendations
Oh, if you have any interest in the war, get this book. Help your children see what other children went through. Six year olds, 13 year olds. Children suffered under Hitler’s regime. Use it as a springboard if you need to help them understand that children continue to suffer today. Not just for being Jewish, but for being the wrong gender, faith, colour, creed or whatever. Help them to see their potential to step up and help. But mostly, just let them learn the world’s history. Help them learn it well so we don’t repeat it. We mustn’t let this happen again.
Sounds like another really good one. I hope I can get a look at it from the library. I have learned so much by reading these sorts of stories.
I really enjoyed it, I hope the lad will too.