LeAnn Goodreads.com Review:
When a book captures my interest I usually finish it in short order. Not so with this Young Readers Edition of Irena’s Children. I had to read this one in segments, allowing myself breaks to breathe fresh air and seek sunshine after being immersed in the darkness that shrouded Warsaw, Poland during World War II. I’ve read other books about the Nazi’s horrendous ethnic cleansing campaign, but I think like many readers I chose to picture the victims as adults, suppressing the fact that the children of those adults faced the same fate. That isn’t possible with Irena’s Children. Never gratuitous in its depictions, it nevertheless doesn’t shy from portraying the realities of what was at stake for those seen as undesirable, as less than human. Nor does it soften the extreme danger Irena and everyone in her network faced by choosing to risk their lives to save the lives of others. Humanity snatching victory from inhumanity.

So who should read this Young Reader’s version? Any and all adults, especially those parents and teachers whose children will be reading it. And as for those children reading it, I think it best suited to readers 12+ due to the intense nature of the subject matter. It’s definitely a book that should be discussed and the historical background explored for a fuller understanding of its topic.

This young reader’s edition chronicles the true story of Irena Sendler, who, as the sole social worker given permission to enter the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942, smuggled Jewish children out to safety, often hiding them in coffins. She kept copious records of those she smuggled out in the hopes that they would be reunited with their families after the war.

I didn't at first notice that I had picked up the children's version from the thrift store. It's one I'll keep, but I'm not sure I'd want to read the full version.
The descriptions were sad enough, but the pictures. They are worth a thousand words.
Can I be that brave if it comes down to it? ( )

This story of Irene Sendler depicts the courage she had as she saves over 2,500 Jewish children by smuggling them out of the walled Jewish ghetto. She also convinced her friends and the underground network to his these kids for her in hopes of a better future for the children. ( )

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