Remembering the Holocaust: Books for Kids

This year, Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom Hashoah, begins on the evening of May 4 and ends on the evening of May 5. During this time, people around the world will remember the millions of people who lost their lives. It is difficult to talk about the Holocaust, but everyone wants to make sure it never happens again. For me, remembering is about respecting the memories of the people who died and the people who survived, making sure everyone is always treated fairly and having hope for the future. I hope these books, which are great for sharing with a grownup, will help you find your own answers.

You've probably heard of The Diary of A Young Girl, the journal kept by 13-year-old Anne Frank during her years in hiding. The Tree in the Courtyard is a gentle introduction to her story. The narrator is a chestnut tree that watches over Anne in her attic hiding place. Like Anne, the tree dies before its time, but its saplings are planted around the world in a message that is both sorrowful and hopeful. Both books tell the story of a young girl famous for holding on to love and hope during a confusing and dangerous time.

You may have heard about the Holocaust from a special person in your life, like a grandparent or great-grandparent. In Always Remember Me, Rachel is introduced to the Holocaust through the two photo albums kept by her grandmother. One is filled with pictures from her grownup life in America, the other is filled with childhood pictures from Germany. Rachel's grandmother has always shared the American pictures, but now that Rachel is old enough, she will share the German pictures as well. This is an introductory story about the Holocaust that stresses family, love and memory. Another book that shares more information is the graphic novel Hidden, which won a Sydney Taylor Honor Award in 2015.

One thing I never learned much about in history class were the many tales of Jewish resistance during World War II.  The Cats in Krasinski Square is the fictional account of a true story. Beyond Courage is an informational book that shares many true accounts of bravery and resistance. Reading the stories of such courageous people might make you feel more powerful when you see or experience injustice in your life.

While scary things can happen in the world, it's important to remember that there are also people who will do the right thing no matter what. Irena's Jars of Secrets is the true story of a Polish social worker who rescued and hid over 2,500 children. Number the Stars is a Newbery Award-winning fictional story about true events that happened during the Nazi occupation of Denmark.