The Resistance (The holocaust library)

School Library Journal

Gr 5 UpA solidly researched, well-organized, and clearly written survey of the struggle of Jews and non-Jews alike to resist Nazi Germany's efforts to annihilate Europe's Jewish population. Many highly informative boxes and sidebars enhance the text. Bachrach's approach is mainly topical and geographical rather than chronological. Attention is devoted to: the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising; the Polish and Soviet Jews who fled to the forests and formed guerrilla bands; the hiding of Jews in the Netherlands; the Protestant pastors of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France, who organized an effort to rescue and hide Jews in their village; and the bravery of the Danes in protecting and evacuating Denmark's small Jewish population. Raoul Wallenberg's assistance to the Jews of Hungary, and the United States government's reluctance to speak out until late into the war are also discussed. The author concludes that the true extent and effectiveness of such a movement is difficult at best to assess, but that it is important to acknowledge the events and people who took part. A good companion volume to the adult book, The Resistance, edited by Russell Miller (Time-Life Books, 1979; o.p.), as well as Elaine Landau's The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (New Discovery Books, 1992). A wide variety of black-and-white archival photographs, many of which are poignant and heart wrenching, are included.David A. Lindsey, Lakewood High and Middle School Libraries, WA