Introducing students to the personal narrative, fiction, and poetry allows them to hear a narrative voice recount not only the facts of this historical time, but also helps them understand the emotions surrounding the events of the Holocaust. The chapters on music and art act as supplemental material for lessons on the literature. By sharing their ideas, debating the issues, and researching the historical facts, students learn to find their true and honest voices and to listen to the voices around them. This resource guide's lesson plans and suggestions for writing and research projects are designed to reach all levels of academic study. All chapters have a brief plot summary of the piece of literature and include analysis of symbol, imagery, language, and style and their roles in developing a historical understanding of the Holocaust years.
Additional chapters explore the art and music of the Holocaust.
The guide contains a select bibliography and research sources, glossaries, character lists, and suggested reading for teachers and students. A list of documentary and artistic films is also included. Lorry Stillman teaches at the Waynflete School in Portland, where she developed a full semester course for high school students on Literature of the Holocaust. She has also taught seminars on Holocaust education at the University of Southern Maine and at the summer institute for teachers sponsored by the Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine.