The Holocaust has been called the most terrible catastrophe in modern history. Millions of people were victims of the Holocaust—the mass slaughter by the Nazis of European citizens, especially Jews, during World War II. The Holocaust: Never Forget explores the causes and events behind this devastating tragedy. The book also pays tribute to rescuers who risked their lives to save besieged Jews and to survivors who rebuilt their lives when the terror finally ended. The words and memories of survivors, rescuers, and other observers bring the heart-breaking story of the Holocaust to life.
This video provides an introduction to The Holocaust: Never Forget. For students with limited knowledge of World War I, World War II, and the Holocaust, this video offers some historical background and context. Teachers and parents might use the video as a preview, to prepare students for reading the book.
Reviews:
From School Library Journal
“Grade 6 Up This fine volume contains straightforward prose that defines terms within context and leads readers chronologically from Hitler’s rise to power, through the devastation of the Holocaust, to its aftermath. The text consistently examines hard-to-answer questions such as: Why did so many Jewish people remain in Germany? Why didn’t the German people do anything to save their Jewish citizens? What were the roots of anti-Semitism? …. In addition, this book discusses other groups of people whom the Nazis persecuted: the Gypsies, the Polish elite, homosexuals, etc. Information about famous “righteous gentiles” such as Oskar Schindler and less-familiar individuals is also presented. Appropriate for school assignments or for general interest.”
Lisa Von Drasek, Brooklyn Public Library
For the 1996 version of the book; updated for Read/Learn Press in 2015
From Booklist
“Gr. 6-10. Written in a direct, simple style, this volume in the Issues in Focus series is an informed introduction to the Nazi genocide. Strahinich does an excellent job of outlining the history and the crucial issues, including the roots of anti-Semitism, the rise of Hitler, the roundups, the ghettos, the death camps, and the Nuremberg trials. There is a detailed chapter on the non-Jewish victims and an inspiring account of the rescuers. Everything is fully documented in chapter notes at the back, and there are many well-captioned archival photos throughout.”
Hazel Rochman
For the 1996 version of the book; updated for Read/Learn Press in 2015
From Amazon
“Helen Strahinich’s book, The Holocaust: Never Forget is a clear and thoughtful account of The Holocaust with references to other Genocides. Strahinich also raises questions for readers about personal and community responsibility in preventing bigotry and hate crimes. The Holocaust: Never Forget is concise and comprehensive; an important book for people to read.” (C.L, Amazon)
Available Resources:
Study Guide for The Holocaust: Never Forget:
This study guide offers a variety of questions and activities to support teaching of The Holocaust: Never Forget. Teachers and parents may choose to use all of the materials or to select specific questions or activities that meet students’ individual needs and grade requirements.
Cross-curricular investigations follow up on topics introduced in the book, offering students a chance to delve into subjects in greater detail and to think about information from a new perspective. These activities also give teachers and parents multiple ways of assessing students’ understanding of the information in each section and book chapter.
Links to Survivor Testimony
Many excellent videos offer survivor testimony that students can view before or after reading the book.
Here are two short survivor videos:
The Shoah Foundation offers many survivor videos and videos on a variety of topics: