Best Friends [Hardcover]

Elisabeth Reuter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1993 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Graphically highlights what happened in 1938, when the Nazi propaganda machine began incorporating anti-Semitic doctrines within the German school system. Two children, one Jewish and the other German, are best friends until the policy at school becomes “Jews cause all the problems in Germany!”

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Excellent as an example of the terrible results of the Holocaust and good for generating a discussion about prejudice and war. The ending is very sad, so the book is probably most suitable for slightly older children.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-As Nazi propaganda and policies change attitudes in pre-World War II Germany, Judith and Lisa's friendship falters. Forbidden to see her friend, Lisa meets Judith secretly, until she declares that only she should be allowed to play with their favorite teddy bear since Judith is "'just a Jewish girl.'" Although she regrets this outburst, she is never able to apologize, since Judith and her family are taken away on Kristallnacht. This story may have a powerful impact, but it will have difficulty finding an audience. The translators provide an explanatory note, but most young children will still have no idea what to make of the story. Older children may be turned off by the picture-book format. The illustrations of large-headed children with features that border on the grotesque are not likely to attract readers, either. Schools in which the Holocaust is taught at the elementary level may find this useful. For most young readers, however, Barbara Cohen's Molly's Pilgrim (Lothrop, 1983) will have more relevance and leave a more lasting understanding of discrimination, and Chana B. Abells's The Children We Remember (Greenwillow, 1986) is a more moving and less didactic presentation.
Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 28 pages
• Publisher: Pitspopany Press (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943706181
• ISBN-13: 978-0943706184
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,977,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Friends is an incredible book., January 23, 2000

By 

Lee Anne Norris (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best Friends (Hardcover)

I am a second grade teacher and I love to use this book to teach about the Holocaust. It is an exceptional tool in teaching all children. The book offers excellent lessons from which we all can learn.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Holocaust Literature, March 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Best Friends (Hardcover)

Hi! I am an eigth grader and am currently doing a Holocaust anthology project. I have used this book as one of my short stories. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone interested in the Holocaust or is doing a project. This book helped me learn how courageous Jews were and how much they were dedicated to their religion. It also taught me to value the friendships I have today. In conclusion, Best Friends is a great Holocaust book. It can teach you a lot. I would reccomend this book highly to anyone learning or teaching about the Holocaust. I really enjoyed reading it and hope you will to!! : )

5.0 out of 5 stars BRAVO!, June 13, 2009

By 

L. Williams - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Best Friends (Hardcover)

This book does a great job of teaching us about a very sensitive subject matter, issues surrounding the Holocaust. It allows us to see the hatred that a little girl and her family faces. At the same time we learn about friendship between two girls and their struggle to remain friends in the midst of hate. You are able to teach a lesson in history or character education. I like the idea that it is suitable for primary grades.