The Wren and the Sparrow by J. Patrick Lewis -OPTIONAL

Lewis, J. Patrick, The Wren and the Sparrow Kar-Ben, 2015. $17.95 PICTURE BOOK
This is the tale of an Old Man living in World War II Poland. He was called the Wren, who plays and instrument called the Hurdy-Gurdy and sings beautifully. When the Nazi’s (here called Tyrants guards) started collecting and burning instruments, the old man defied them. It was up to his apprentice, the Sparrow, to keep his legacy of defiance and music alive.
This book calls itself a holocaust fable. I read this thinking in terms of upper elementary students who are learning about the holocaust. I wish it was a true story, though it could serve as a jumping off point for discussion. The illustrations are disheartening and grim.
EL –OPTIONAL  Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.