Terezin: Voices from the Holocaust
Even libraries with substantial Holocaust collections will want this generously sized, illustrated account that blends the searing history of the Terez�n concentration camp with personal testimonies of those who were there, artwork of both established painters and children, and quotes from survivors� oral histories and secret diary entries, including a Czech schoolboy�s memories of how life changed for the Jews when Hitler came. The statistics sum it up: 15,000 children passed through Terez�n; fewer than 100 survived. Also part of the story are the astounding lies and cover-ups (including the transportations of orphans and the dying to Auschwitz to cut down on overcrowding) that tricked official observers into issuing a positive report. Contrast those facts with the artists� secret images that show the reality of the hunched, hollow-eyed survivors. The open book design, with highly readable type on thick paper, will draw readers into each double-page spread. The excellent, accessible back matter includes a time line, glossary, sources, and museum websites for further research. Grades 6-10. --Hazel Rochman