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Survivors of the Holocaust

Teaching the Holocaust and other Genocides

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Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children

Editor: Kath Shackleton

Illustrator: Zane Whittingham

Genre: Graphic “Novel” - Non-Fiction

Published: 2019

Pages: 112

Lexile Level: 870L

Survivors of the Holocaust
Summary

Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children is a powerful collection of real-life accounts of six Jewish children who survived the horrors of the Holocaust. Edited by Kath Shackleton and illustrated by Zane Whittingham, this graphic novel tells the stories of these children in their own words, showcasing their resilience, bravery, and survival against unimaginable odds. Each story is uniquely poignant, capturing both the innocence of childhood and the brutal realities of war. The six children featured in the book are from different parts of Europe, each experiencing their own form of persecution and displacement during the Nazi regime. Their stories include survival in ghettos, concentration camps, and hiding places, as well as the loss of family members and the determination to live despite the ever-present threat of death. Through these individual stories, readers gain insight into the atrocities of the Holocaust from the perspective of those who were the most vulnerable—children. Illustrated with striking, evocative artwork, Survivors of the Holocaust combines personal narratives with historical context, offering an accessible and deeply human exploration of one of history’s darkest periods.

Main Themes

1.       Resilience and Survival: The stories of these six children highlight the incredible strength and resilience needed to survive the Holocaust, despite the overwhelming adversity they faced.

2.       Loss and Grief: The book examines the profound loss experienced by these young survivors, from the destruction of their families to the obliteration of their communities.

3.       The Impact of War on Children: The book gives readers a chance to understand how war affects young people, not just through physical harm but also in terms of emotional and psychological trauma.

4.       Courage and Hope: Despite the darkness of their experiences, these children found hope in small acts of courage, solidarity, and the will to survive.

5.       Human Rights and Social Justice: The Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prejudice, racism, and totalitarianism, teaching readers about the importance of standing up for human rights and fighting against injustice.

Why Survivors of the Holocaust is Appropriate for Grades 8 and Up

The personal stories in Survivors of the Holocaust are told in a way that is accessible to younger readers, while still offering a deep and meaningful exploration of the Holocaust and its impact on children. The book gives students the opportunity to engage with historical events through the voices of real people, making the history of the Holocaust more relatable and impactful. The inclusion of both historical facts and personal stories helps students understand the human cost of war and genocide. By reading the firsthand accounts of child survivors, students will gain a greater understanding of the human experiences behind the statistics of the Holocaust. This emotional connection can foster empathy, making it an ideal resource for discussing global human rights issues. The accompanying illustrations provide a visual representation of the children’s experiences, helping students better grasp the gravity of the events described. The artwork humanizes the historical figures, making the stories more vivid and impactful. The stories prompt important discussions about prejudice, resilience, the impact of trauma, and the moral lessons of the Holocaust. It challenges students to think critically about the past and how its lessons apply to the world today.