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[CCBC-Net] Holocaust and other difficult subjects
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From: Miriam Budin <miriam>
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:32:11 -0400
I have been reading (sometimes skimming!) the impassioned discussion of Holocaust literature and young readers with great interest. As a Jew, a mother and a librarian, I've struggled with the questions of when, how and why to inform children about this and other grim parts of human history--and current events.
I think a good answer is one that we seem to come to often when we evaluate children's literature: there must be hope. There should be hope in the book, hope in the lesson, hope at the end of the discussion. Human beings can and do treat each other horribly. Perhaps some always will. But we are also capable of compassion, courage, empathy and integrity. I'd like to teach children that there have always been people--sometimes pitifully few, but, still, SOME--who speak out and fight against prejudice, immorality, cruelty and evil.
Toward that end, I'd like to recommend two books which address the Holocaust and do not minimize it yet celebrate the quiet heroism of two people who stood up and made a difference: LUBA: THE ANGEL OF BERGEN-BELSEN by Michelle R. McCann and PASSAGE TO FREEDOM: THE SUGIHARA STORY by Ken Mochizuki. Both of these are classified as non-fiction in the CIP, they are in picture book format, they are dignified in tone and they can be used with a wide age range of readers.
As with many difficult subjects, it is good to follow the lead of the individual children to whom you are addressing the topic. Are they asking more questions? Answer them--or find materials that will help you to do so. Are they horrified and traumatized? Remind them that people can make a difference. Empower them.
That's what I think.
Miriam
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:32:11 -0400
I have been reading (sometimes skimming!) the impassioned discussion of Holocaust literature and young readers with great interest. As a Jew, a mother and a librarian, I've struggled with the questions of when, how and why to inform children about this and other grim parts of human history--and current events.
I think a good answer is one that we seem to come to often when we evaluate children's literature: there must be hope. There should be hope in the book, hope in the lesson, hope at the end of the discussion. Human beings can and do treat each other horribly. Perhaps some always will. But we are also capable of compassion, courage, empathy and integrity. I'd like to teach children that there have always been people--sometimes pitifully few, but, still, SOME--who speak out and fight against prejudice, immorality, cruelty and evil.
Toward that end, I'd like to recommend two books which address the Holocaust and do not minimize it yet celebrate the quiet heroism of two people who stood up and made a difference: LUBA: THE ANGEL OF BERGEN-BELSEN by Michelle R. McCann and PASSAGE TO FREEDOM: THE SUGIHARA STORY by Ken Mochizuki. Both of these are classified as non-fiction in the CIP, they are in picture book format, they are dignified in tone and they can be used with a wide age range of readers.
As with many difficult subjects, it is good to follow the lead of the individual children to whom you are addressing the topic. Are they asking more questions? Answer them--or find materials that will help you to do so. Are they horrified and traumatized? Remind them that people can make a difference. Empower them.
That's what I think.
Miriam
-- Miriam Lang Budin Children's Librarian Chappaqua Library, NY --Received on Thu 20 Apr 2006 03:32:11 PM CDT
