This is a controversial start to my review of Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children by editor Kath Shackelton: Yes, I think we need stories about the Jewish experiences of the Holocaust. Yes, we need the children’s stories. And thankfully we can have survivor stories. However, we know those stories. I would love to see more stories about the other people who were persecuted as well. I want a mix of stories as I do not want anyone’s story to be forgotten.
Now, with that said, I greatly appreciate Survivors. I appreciate that these six people were still around to tell us their personal journey. A few facts might be new, but overall things are familiar. Yet, the presentation offers fresh perspectives and except for the story about the girl who was a toddler when taken from her family, the narrators are that child talking about it as they remember it happening.
The illustrations do make things a bit less intense, but still keep the edge.They can be a bit abstract at times, but also are done to capture the tone of things. The cover gives you a good idea of what can be found inside. At the end Shackleton included a short paragraph and photograph for each person making the experience more personal for the reader. It is not for the sensitive reader, but things are tastefully done but are still seriously given, so most ages 10 and up will be fine. Even adults are a good audience as these stories are good introductions to the overall subject.
cbr18bingo Refuge: If the children found a safe refuge during the war and the children had to find a place to heal after the events of war.
