Customer Reviews

Hilde and Eli, Children of the Holocaust: Children of the Holocaust

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"Hilde and Eli" is a good book about the Holocaust and its effects on children; however, there are better books that recount this experience. The picture book format is misleading because the information (and the blunt way in which it is presented) is certainly not suitable for young children. Children in 4th-5th-and 6th grades would find it informative, though I doubt they would pick up a picture book readily. In the context of a classroom discussion, it may serve its purpose - to inform about a devastating event in the history of humanity.

David A. Adler may be the author of the best-selling Cam Jansen mystery series for children, but he struck a slightly sour note in this story book concerning two children murdered during the Holocaust. The facts presented are not the usual storybook material.

However, Adler cannot be blamed: the subject matter is difficult to handle for children. The fact is, most children's novels on this topic have heroes and heroines who somehow escape the terrible fate that in fact claimed the majority of Jewish children in Europe--1.5 million, according to official records.

Adler, in telling the tale of two children who did NOT survive--with details given to him by their respective siblings, who did--takes off that sugar coating.

I'd agree that this book is not suitable for little children, but second, third and fourth graders who still like picture books would find it informative. If you don't mind telling your children the ugly truth about the Holocaust and its young victims, this is as good a place as any to start.

--Alyssa A. Lappen

Hi' I'am a 6th grader. And reading a book about the Holocaust. My book is Hilde and Eli childern of the Holocaust.This book is really fun to read when there's nothing too do. The characters are Hilde and Eli, they are the kids of the holocaust.