The Librarian of Auschwitz: Based on the Novel by Antonio Iturbe

Genre of book

Biography

Age Group

8 – 12

Number of pages

144 pages

Justification

Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year

Plot Summary

This adaptation of Antonio Iturbe‘s novel is translated from Spanish. It tells the story of a Edita (“Dita”) Kraus, a young Jewish girl during World War II. She begins living in a nice home with her family in Poland. When the Nazi's invade, they move to the ghetto, and then to Auschwitz. At Auschwitz, she finds deep reserves of bravery, courage, and resourcefulness that help her survive. Dita is put in charge of a small, contraband collection of books that the people in her block share. The adults she meets are as inspired by her as much as she is by them.

The Librarian of Auschwitz is geared towards young readers learning about The Holocaust for the first time. Danger and death are always present. The worst aspects of human nature were on display with the Nazis in World War II, and sensitive readers should be aware that there are some disturbing images. By contrast, the best of human nature is shown in Dita’s compassion for her family and friends.

Iturbe shows us that even in the darkest times, individual people are able to inspire hope and strength in others. It would be a wonderful choice for middle school readers.

References

Rubio, S. (2022). The Librarian of Auschwitz: Based on the novel by Antonio Iturbe. (Thwaites, L., Trans.; Aroca, L., Illus.). Goodwin Books.