Lesser-known Stories from the World War II Era

Timely Take-aways for Life-long Learners:
Lesser-known Stories from the World War II Era

Several new books explore the lesser-known stories of prisoners, survivors, resistance fighters, scientists, and other amazing individuals of the World War II era.

The Island of Extraordinary Captives
Simon Parkin, 2022, Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: History, Modern, Holocaust, 20th Century
At the beginning of WWII, a British internment camp was established to detain asylum seekers the government feared might be spies. Prisoners included intellectuals, artists, musicians, and others considered possible enemy aliens.
Take-aways: Teachers will find this lesser-known true story to be an interesting example to be taught alongside a discussion of the Japanese Internment in the United States.

The Last Survivor
Frank Krake, 2022, Lyons Press Themes: History, World War II, Biography, 20th Century
This translated edition tells the story of Wim Aloserij who survived three concentration camps and a maritime disaster.
Take-aways: Individual stories bring history alive for students. Use Aloserij’s experiences to help young people understand the ongoing challenges of life during wartime. Ask them to learn about a less-known individual’s experiences in war.

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line
Mari Eder, 2021, Sourcebooks Themes: History, World War II, Women, 20th Century
Meet fifteen women who challenged traditional expectations to become pilots, scientists and ultimately heroes and role models.
Take-aways: Use this stories to inspire young women and demonstrate the challenges faced by women during this time period.

Lethal Tides
Catherine Musemeche, 2022, William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, Biography, Women
Explore the life and achievements of Mary Sears, the first oceanographer of the Navy. Her efforts in gathering and analyzing ocean data averted disasters in the WWII Pacific theater.
Take-aways: The essential role of women scientists during wartime is often overlooked. Use this engaging biography to show the importance of this woman’s scientific contributions.

Resistance
Halik Kochanski, 2022, Liveright, an imprint of W.W. Norton Themes: History, War & Conflict, World War II
This comprehensive examination of resistance movements during World War II shares little-known stories from the many occupied nations.
Take-aways: Use this book to share examples of the impact of resistance movements in their many forms during World War II.

The Diary Keepers
Nina Siegal, 2023, Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, War & Conflict, World War II, Holocaust
Based on more than two thousand Dutch diaries, Siegal shares the untold story of ordinary citizens during World War II revealing struggles often overlooked.
Take-aways: Use the new perspectives and first-person accounts to help students better understand the complexities of World War II and the Holocaust in the Netherlands.

In the Garden of the Righteous
Richard Hurowitz, 2022, Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, World War II, Holocaust
Exploring the stories of ten courageous individuals who risked their lives to save others, this engaging work celebrates lesser-known heroes. In addition, the book stresses the importance of altruistic behavior in today’s society as well.
Take-aways: Teachers can use the book’s examples to discuss parallels to moral responsibilities today.

Jews in the Garden
Judy Rakowsky, 2023, Sourcebooks Themes: History, World War II, Holocaust
This real-life detective story follows two cousins seeking to uncover the truth behind the loss of family members during the Holocaust. This work of investigative journalism reveals the previously untold role of the Polish government in a Holocaust coverup.
Take-aways: Teachers will find this fast-paced nonfiction narrative to be an engaging way to learn how World War II history is still being uncovered today.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb