I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944 by Lauren Tarshis, with illustrations by Alvaro Sarraseca, Dreyfuss Tarshis Media Inc., 2021; ISBN 8781338-66380; 148 pages plus illustrated timeline.
By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO — This graphic novel is a relatively gentle introduction for children to the Holocaust, wherein two Polish Jewish children escape from their ghetto to the woods, where they are found by a Gentile farmer who has been working with the resistance. In fact, the farmer has been hiding from a German search party three Partisans who blew up a train that was headed with weapons and supplies to the Russian front. Among the brave Partisans is none other than the children’s aunt, who had left home before the Jews of their town had been moved and restricted to a ghetto.
Much of the subsequent adventure involves the children and the three adults attempting to reach the Partisans’ secret base camp, which is located on an island within a swamp. They must dodge enemy aircraft and patrols as they proceed to the camp on foot, with some members of their party injured or wounded along the way.
We understand that this episode occurs during a latter phase of the war, when Russian troops are forcing the Nazis into retreat, and if the Partisans and the children can just hold out, they may live to see liberation.
The story is simply told, with a minimum of gore, and is beautifully illustrated. It’s very likely to hold a young reader’s interest all the way to its conclusion. The afterword, in graphic format, serves as a factual primer for any child who wants to delve deeply into actual Holocaust history.
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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com