Heroes of the Holocaust
Holocaust Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Heroes of the Holocaust by Rebecca Love Fishkin is a poignant exploration of the lives and actions of individuals who displayed extraordinary courage and humanity during the Holocaust. The book highlights the stories of non-Jewish people who risked their lives to save Jews from the Nazi regime's genocidal campaign. Through detailed accounts, the author brings to light the selfless acts of these brave men and women, known as the Righteous Among the Nations, who provided shelter, food, false documents, and means of escape. Fishkin's work serves as a tribute to their heroism and a reminder of the power of compassion and moral conviction in the face of overwhelming evil.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the actions of the heroes in this book show bravery and compassion?
Why is it important to remember and talk about the events of the Holocaust?
What would you have done if you were in the situation of one of the heroes?
How do you think the people being helped felt about the heroes?
What can we learn from the heroes in this book that we can apply in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by providing a brief overview of the Holocaust to ensure your child understands the context of the stories in the book. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, affirming their emotions. Discuss the qualities of heroism depicted in the book, such as bravery and selflessness, and explore how these qualities can be relevant in everyday scenarios. Connect the historical events to present-day issues of ethics and morality, and ask your child how they might act similarly in challenging situations. Finish your discussion by reflecting on the importance of memory and history in shaping a better world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: This book delves into the stories of individuals who showed immense courage and compassion during the Holocaust, providing children with vivid examples of empathy in extreme circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, and apply this empathy in their interactions at school and within the community.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'Heroes of the Holocaust' demonstrate bravery by standing up for what is right, even when faced with grave dangers.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to act courageously, be it in speaking up against bullying or in making tough, ethical decisions.
Example Lesson: The impact of individual actions
Explanation: The book highlights how the actions of a few can lead to significant positive changes, illustrating the power of individual responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to see how their own actions, no matter how small, can make a difference in their families, schools, and broader communities.
Example Lesson: History's lessons
Explanation: Through the real-life accounts presented in the book, children learn about an important historical event and the lessons it imparts concerning human rights and justice.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can help children develop a sense of justice and an understanding of the importance of history in shaping contemporary society.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Hope
Explanation: The stories shared in the book not only focus on the horrors of the Holocaust but also on the resilience of the human spirit and the hope that carried many through such dark times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of hope and resilience in overcoming challenges in their own lives, understanding that positivity can be maintained even in adverse situations.