Website Review: Jewish Warsaw

JEWISH WARSAW is a museum website exploring the history of Polish Jews in Warsaw.

The website is divided into three section. First, the project follows the life of Janusz Korczak the founder of the first newspaper published by children and youth. Second, users examine the stories of nine people who influenced the social and cultural life of Warsaw. The stories are told using a graphic novel-type format. Finally, the website features a chronology of life before, during, and after the Holocaust.

Librarians will find students enjoy the easy-to-use, visual format of the website. Use the comic biographies to connect English and history classes particularly with reluctant readers.

To visit the website, go to http://warsze.polin.pl/en/.

Book Review: Irena's Children

IRENA’S CHILDREN by Tilar J. Mazzeo is a young reader’s edition of a true story about life in the Warsaw Ghetto in World War II.

A young Polish public health worker named Irena Sendler smuggled thousands of children out of the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw. Children snuck through sewers, hid in coffins, and were concealed under overcoats in daring attempts to escape death.

Librarians will find this story of survival during the Holocaust an appealing alternative to standard Holocaust offerings. The focus on a heroic female will draw the interest of girls.

The author’s website contains information and videos about Irena Sendler. Go to http://www.tilar-mazzeo-author.com/learn-more

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: We Will Not Be Silent

WE WILL NOT BE SILENT: THE WHITE ROSE STUDENT RESISTANCE MOVEMENT THAT DEFIED ADOLF HITLER by Russell Freedman is the true story of siblings who stand up against the Nazis by distributing resistance leaflets.

This well-researched work of nonfiction tells the story of Hans Scholl and his sister Sophie who join the Hitler Youth, but soon realize they don’t agree with the movement. Along with their friends, they create the White Rose campaign against Hitler and the Nazis. Their underground movement includes distributing leaflets. Using photographs and easy-to-understand prose, these young people fought for their beliefs risking imprisonment and sometimes even execution. The book concludes with useful source notes, credits, and an index.

Designed for ages 10-14, librarians will find that youth will connect with this very accessible story of young people fighting for their beliefs. This little-known story is an excellent way to engage students in a discussion of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.

Look for this title on the “best of nonfiction” lists for 2016.

Published by Clarion on May 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Girl in the Blue Coat

GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT by Monica Hesse is a compelling historical fiction mystery set in Amsterdam during WWII.

In 1943, Hanneke works in the black market trading goods. When one of her clients asks Hanneke to find a Jewish teen she’s been hiding, Hanneke isn’t sure whether to help or not. However, she soon becomes immersed in the world of the resistance as she tries to solve the mystery of the missing girl.

Librarians will find this historical mystery to be an excellent addition to the growing number of books exploring black market workers and the resistance during WWII. The fascinating characters and fast-paced mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

One of the best books of 2016 so far. Don’t miss it.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.monicahesse.com/.

Published by Little Brown, an imprint of Hachette on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.