The kids and I are currently learning about the Holocaust in honor of the Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust (DRVH) which is an 8-day period designated by the United States for commemorations and educational programs related to the Holocaust. The dates of the DRVH change from year to year, as they usually run from the Sunday before through the Sunday following Yom Hashoah (also known as Holocaust Memorial Day/Holocaust Remembrance Day/Holocaust Day). Yom Hashoah is Israel's designated day for commemorating the Jewish victims of the Holocaust - a day that marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Since the date of Yom Hashoah is based on the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunar calendar, the Gregorian date of the observance will change from year to year. In 2016, Yom Hashoah is observed on Thursday, May 5th, and consequently the Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust in the United States is observed from Sunday, May 1 through Sunday, May 8.
This year, I am spending a little time personally commemorating this period by remembering and learning/relearning some history surrounding the Holocaust. In doing so, I have found the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website to be a good resource. Various DRVH events throughout the United States can be found on an event map at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's website, though many of the events this year have already occurred. In thinking about the Holocaust, I - like many - often wonder how such an unimaginable tragedy could have come to pass, and I continue to wonder at what dynamics allow for the continued genocide of groups seen even more recently. I found the overview of the early warning signs of the Holocaust on the museum's site interesting and enlightening, as well as their page on confronting genocide. And, of course, the individual stories are always impactful, as they put a relatable human face to events that can seem impersonal on the pages of history texts. |

Discussing the Holocaust with kids can be a little tricky. Were my children older and better able to understand and contextualize information about the Holocaust, this would be easier. However, given their ages, our discussions are very high level, and I find myself using this time as an opportunity to discuss prejudice, an appreciation for diversity, and being courageous in the face of hatred and cruelty. It is also an opportunity for me to stress the importance of remembering history so that we can better understand and act in our present, be sensitive to the continued impacts and residual feelings from what may seem to be distant events, and work together to chart a better future. There were a few picture books I found at our library that dealt with stories surrounding the Holocaust, which I have listed below. These titles are more appropriate for my 6 year old than my younger son, so I read with caution and am prepared to skip or alter sections when Hopper 2 is listening. Also, we follow with much more lighthearted reading and play afterwards. I know there are many parents who might find it inappropriate to bring up the Holocaust or other such atrocities with children as young as mine, and I respect others' role in determining what they believe to be the best decisions for their child(ren). My decision to do so is not because I enjoy discussing such heavy topics with them (because I do not - this is some really hard stuff to try to explain), but because I believe in beginning to talk about prejudice early since research has shown that stereotypes and attitudes towards groups of people can begin in the preschool years. I take the character and moral development part of my parenting "job" more seriously than fostering academic-based skills - still important, don't get me wrong, but I don't consider academic success (or the often assumed subsequent financial success) to be the ultimate hallmark of a successful human being. I hope that by beginning to discuss such topics as the Holocaust and prejudice early, I might lay the groundwork for my kids to later recognize and speak or act against prejudice and injustice.
Here are a few children's book titles, most of which are recommended for ages 6 and older, but I suggest reading through the stories completely before reading aloud to children (or allowing them to read to themselves) in order to determine if it is appropriate - some children may not yet be able to process the content or some children may be more sensitive to the events described. My children are not old enough to read well, so I am able to skip parts or alter wording somewhat when I am reading to them. Sometimes we just discuss the pictures and how we think the characters are feeling based upon the pictures.

The Butterfly
by Patricia Polacco
This true story comes from the author's family history. The protaganist is Polacco's aunt, who in the story is a child named Monique. Monique's mother was part of the French underground and resistance and hid Jews in her basement during the Nazi occupation of France. One of the people she hid was a little girl named Sevrine, who befriended Monique. The events of this friendship are the basis for the story in this book.
by Patricia Polacco
This true story comes from the author's family history. The protaganist is Polacco's aunt, who in the story is a child named Monique. Monique's mother was part of the French underground and resistance and hid Jews in her basement during the Nazi occupation of France. One of the people she hid was a little girl named Sevrine, who befriended Monique. The events of this friendship are the basis for the story in this book.

Irena's Jar of Secrets
by Marcia Vaughan, illustrated by Ron Mazellan
This book relates the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker who, at great risk to herself, helped the Jews of the Warsaw Ghetto. She began by smuggling in needed items, but later helped to smuggle nearly 2500 children out. The children were given new identities and placed with foster families and orphanages. Hoping to later reunite the children with their families, Sendler buried lists indicating the real and false identities in jars under an apple tree.
by Marcia Vaughan, illustrated by Ron Mazellan
This book relates the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker who, at great risk to herself, helped the Jews of the Warsaw Ghetto. She began by smuggling in needed items, but later helped to smuggle nearly 2500 children out. The children were given new identities and placed with foster families and orphanages. Hoping to later reunite the children with their families, Sendler buried lists indicating the real and false identities in jars under an apple tree.

A Picture Book of Anne Frank
by David A. Adler, illustrated by Karen Ritz
This book gives an overview of the short life of Anne Frank, who is well-known from her diary published after her death.
by David A. Adler, illustrated by Karen Ritz
This book gives an overview of the short life of Anne Frank, who is well-known from her diary published after her death.

Terrible Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust
by Eve Bunting
I actually have not had a chance to read this book, as all copies have been in use at our library system. However, per the description and reviews online, I hope to check it out later and determine if it will be appropriate for my kids. Per the Amazon description: "This unique introduction to the Holocaust encourages young children to stand up for what they think is right, without waiting for others to join them."
by Eve Bunting
I actually have not had a chance to read this book, as all copies have been in use at our library system. However, per the description and reviews online, I hope to check it out later and determine if it will be appropriate for my kids. Per the Amazon description: "This unique introduction to the Holocaust encourages young children to stand up for what they think is right, without waiting for others to join them."