Hopkinson weaves together primary sources —memoirs, interviews, and photographs —to piece together the accounts of 21 children and teens who were saved from the Nazis via the Kindertransport in this meticulously researched World War II nonfiction book. Back matter includes a timeline, additional resources, source notes, and an index. (Sydney Taylor Middle Grade Notable Book) ( )

I'm a big fan of Deborah Hopkinson in general, but this didn't really work for me. The book is an exhaustive, well researched look into the personal stories of people who escaped on the Kindertransport. The narratives are divided into short chunks and cover quite a few people. While the stories they tell are moving and have the powerful impact of personal recollection, it felt at once like too much and too little. It was hard to keep track of all the recurring viewpoints, and the timeline approach really interrupted the flow. There is a ton of great primary viewpoint research here, so I think it's a useful scholarly text and appropriately presented for a child/teen audience. ( )

Although a picture book, this book is geared toward older kids who might be learning about the Holocaust. This book tells the story of Jewish children trying to escape the Nazis during WWII. The pictures were a unique way to learn about something such as the Holocaust, but I think it really helps people visualize the stories and have a better grasp on how real things were. I think this would be a great addition to a history or social studies classroom, especially during lessons about the Holocaust time period. ( )

World War II had a deep and lasting impact on children. While some young people lived and died in concentration camps, others were able to escape to England as refugees.

Read two recently published children’s books, then learn more at the websites:

THE MISSING: THE TRUE STORY OF MY FAMILY IN WORLD WAR II by Michael Rosen shares the experiences of the author’s family members along with his own stories of growing up with a legacy of lost family connections. Woven throughout the narrative are works of poetry and references to today’s issues of racism and refugees. This short book concludes with resources to help readers dig deeper into history.

HISTORYWORKS has posted audio files of Michael Rosen’s poetry. The project features over two dozen entries.

To listen to the poems, go to https://audioboom.com/playlists/4613930-michael-rosen-poems.

WE HAD TO BE BRAVE: ESCAPING THE NAZIS ON THE KINDERTRANSPORT by Deborah Hopkinson tells the heartbreaking story of children and teens who survived the Holocaust by escaping to England. Using dozens of true accounts, the author weaves together stories of survival and hope at a time of war. Organized into four parts, the book explores pre-war events, the tipping point, the flight, and the aftermath. The postscripts shares a timeline, glossary, resources, and other useful materials to extend the reading experience.

WHAT WAS KINDERTRANSPORT is a BBC Newsround article focusing on the mission that took thousands of children to safety during World War II. The article features text, historical photographs and interviews.

To read the BBC article, go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/46877532.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick and Scholastic. ( )

To be a child during WWII, would be beyond frightening and confusing. We Had to be Brave is an excellent nonfiction account for young people to better understand war and the holocaust. Adding to my literature circles. ( )