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.

Website Review: Warsaw Rising

WARSAW RISING is a website that tells the story of a the fall and rebirth of the city of Warsaw Poland.

The website is divided into sections that take users from 1918 through the present. The sections include Warsaw: The Capitol of Poland, Invasion of Poland, German Policy of Terror, De Polnische Untergrundstaat, Battle for Freedom, Insurgent Republic, In Stalin’s Grip, Destruction of the City, In the Shadow of Yalta, and Phoenix from the Ashes.

Each section includes short narratives, photographs, primary source documents, videos, and other materials to enhance the experience.

Users can move linear through the screens or stop to explore through the use of maps and other interactive elements.

Students will find this website to be an engaging way to learn about the impact of war on a city. Involve youth in thinking about how war has impacted other cities around the world. Ask them to build their own timeline incorporating primary source materials.

To explore the website, go to http://warsawrising.eu/.