Fitzgerald, Stephanie. Children of the Holocaust

Fitzgerald, Stephanie.           Children of the Holocaust   

Compass Point Books/Capstone    2011    64p     33.32  978-0-7565-4390-7           

ms/hs             The Holocaust (Compass Point)      E-BNS

This insightful book presents primary source information about

the Holocaust.   Of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis, more than 1.5

million were children.    Fitzgerald offers firsthand accounts of some of the

children and teenagers from across Europe who managed to escape the Nazi death

machine through luck, determination, self-reliance, and, sometimes, the kindness

of neighbors and complete strangers.         This insightful book presents primary

source information about the Holocaust.   Of the six million Jews killed by the

Nazis, more than 1.5 million were children.    Fitzgerald offers firsthand

accounts of some of the children and teenagers from across Europe who managed to

escape the Nazi death machine through luck, determination, self-reliance, and,

sometimes, the kindness of neighbors and complete strangers.    Each chapter

tells the story of a surviving child’s circumstances embedded in a succinct

discussion of historical background.  A different font delineates their own

words from the text and maps, sidebars, and archival black-and-white photographs

of children and their families enhance the story.  

         Well-researched, clearly written, and appropriate for the intended age

group, this book provides an excellent discussion of one of mankind’s darkest

periods.  Fitzgerald uses a balanced content of narrative and primary source

material to present this description of children caught up by the Holocaust.  

She discusses the effects of their experiences on the survivors,  presenting her

information in a concise and lucid manner.  The book is library-bound and ends

with a timeline, chapter notes, a glossary, bibliography of books and Internet

addresses, and an index.

            There are currently four titles in this new Compass Point series about the

Holocaust:  Children of the Holocaust, Architects of the Holocaust, Heroes of

the Holocaust, and The Legacy of the Holocaust.  Each presents primary source

information that is well-researched and clearly written, providing an excellent

discussion of one of mankind╒s darkest periods.      Ogintz, Susan