The Missing by Michael Rosen - ADVISABLE

 

The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II by Michael Rosen, 94 pages. NON-FICTION Candlewick Press, 2020. $17.  

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Michael was young, he never knew what happened to all of his aunts and uncles during World War II.  He knew that they were Jewish and had lived in Poland, but he wanted to know where they went and what happened to them.  This is an explanation of Michael’s search for his family’s story.  He doesn’t have all the details that he would like, but he has a better understanding of what happened and a determination to remember them which he writes about.  

Michael Rosen mixes facts with poetry as he writes the chapter recounting his search for his family and then writes a poem that expresses his emotions and feelings about them and the war.  The poetry is beautiful and moving.  The facts and search for his family isn’t overly compelling, but it does emphasize how so many people lost their families and loved ones during the Holocaust. There is nothing in this book that an elementary age child couldn’t read, but they might need some background on the Holocaust to truly appreciate the story.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

It Rained Warm Bread by Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet and Hope Anita Smith - ADVISABLE

It Rained Warm Bread: Moishe Moskowitz’s Story of Hope by Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet and Hope Anita Smith, illustrated by Lea Lyon, 148 pages.  NON-FICTION Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt and Company), 2019.  $17.  

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

When Moishe was thirteen years old, Poland was invaded by the Nazis.  His family stayed together as long as they could, but eventually they were all pulled in different directions and different concentration camps.  As Moishe endures violence, starvation and basic human depravity, his faith in humanity is shaken.  But one day while being transported by train, brave women throw bread into his boxcar on the train regardless of the Nazi’s warnings not to and it renews Moishe's hope and gives him strength to keep going.  

This is the true story of Moishe Moskowitz told through verse.  The emotions and hopelessness are beautifully conveyed through the short, yet impactful fictionalization of Moishe’s Holocaust experience.  I loved the ending which shows Moishe’s family and his enduring spirit.  The violence is war violence, including people being shot down on the street around him as well as mass graves.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson.