Rating:
5 out of 5
Review by: Sonia (Staff)
Thursday, 21 June, 2012
Quote:
Summary: Times were tough in Germany in the 1930's with large numbers of people out of work. Government elections in 1933, saw Hitler became leader of the Nazi party. While there were celebrations across Germany about this new leader and his promises to make Germany a powerful nation, new laws were brought in to harm Jewish people. They were driven from their homes, prevented from operating their businesses, and ultimately they were rounded up, beaten and imprisoned, or taken to concentration camps.
Esther's parents quickly realised that they needed to leave Germany so they shifted to the Netherlands. Things seemed to be fine for a little while, but it wasn't long until the Germany army also invaded the Netherlands. One day while Esther was at school, Esther's parents were taken away by the Germans never to be seen again.
Esther was now on her own in a foreign land. Fortunately a family arranged for Esther to hide away with some people so she would be safe from the Nazi's who were trying to capture all the Jewish people and kill them.
Review:
This 61 page graphic novel recounts the experiences that Esther faced during the Second World War and her efforts, as an older woman, to find out the real truth about what happened to her parents.
Even though this is sad story, I like the way that the author tells the story through the eyes of Esther, who is now a grandmother living in the United States. She is visiting her son, Paul, in the Netherlands with her American grandson. As a family they discover the truth about what took place with their Great grand-parents through a chance meeting with a young boy that Esther knew as a child who worked alongside Esther's father in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
Recommended reading for older primary aged children who are interested in European war history.
Further recommendations: See this item in the catalogue | See all reviews for this book | See other reviews by Sonia