Holocaust Resistance debunks the myth that Jews went like “sheep to the slaughter.” Many Jews escaped, many performed spiritual and heroic resistance. As historian Nechama Tec writes, “Jews were determined to survive—they refused to become passive victims” (9). This book recounts stories of courageous people, giving a personal face to tragedy. Some acts of spiritual resistance described include surreptitious photography, journal keeping, and resistance through poetry, art and education. There is a separate chapter on the Jewish partisans which mentions Hannah Senesh and the Bielski partisans. The Kindertransport is handled delicately with emphasis on the true experiences of the hidden children, both positive and negative. Overall, this slim volume gives the reader more questions than answers, but it will pique curiosity and hopefully, lead to further research. This is an excellent brief survey of a difficult topic, appropriate for middle school students or English language learners. This series would be a good complement to The Nazi Hunters by Neal Bascomb (Arthur Levine, 2013/Voya October 2013), Night by Elie Weisel, or The Diary Of Anne Frank. (Understanding the Holocaust) Reviewer: Ellen Frank Bayer; Ages 11 to 15.
11/01/2015
Gr 7 Up—Skillfully blending narrative and well-documented primary sources, these books provide superior coverage about the Holocaust. The high level of detail goes well beyond the standard, often-sensationalized recitation of evil leaders, methods, and numbers killed, describing how Adolf Hitler and the Nazis exploited Europe's widespread anti-Semitism, creating a climate that quickly escalated from persecution to the destruction of most of Europe's Jews. Books are text-dense, and authors fully develop topics, drawing on primary sources to give voice to Holocaust victims and survivors, the Nazis who crushed those who opposed them and their ideas, and the brave souls who risked everything to save Jewish lives. Sidebars, occasional photos, and maps supplement the writing. Those looking for research sources will find plenty of material in this set and will also gain a better understanding of how easily evil can overwhelm good and result in catastrophe. VERDICT An excellent addition to collections serving upper middle and high school students.
