White Bird by R. J. Palacio

Summary:

Julian has a homework assignment for social studies so he decides to call his Grandmère to hear about her experience during the holocaust. And so with hesitation Grandmère tells her story. Consequently, we enter into the story of Sara, a young Jewish girl living in France in the 1930s. Just like any other girl her age she lives a naive life only concerned about her friend group, her pretty shoes, and the popular boy that everyone has a crush on. She is oblivious of even "tourteau" (meaning crab) sitting next to her every day since her time in school. But things change as the Nazis invade and the holocaust begins. Sara's friends and family disappear, families turn against each other, and people she's never talked to go out of their way to save her life with simple but powerful acts of kindness that puts a target on their back.

However, there is hope, a white bird, an example of love and freedom demonstrating the power of kindness and unrelenting courage in a time of war.

Word of Caution (May Contain Spoilers):

This graphic novel contains some shooting scenes including one of the main characters being shot. The images portray dead bodies, blood, guns, families being captured, and children going missing that might be traumatic for sensitive minds.

Positive Notes:

This book is both moving and well researched. Although it is a fictional account, it accurately depicts the average experience of a Jewish girl during World War II. The author explains that she was inspired by a variety of real stories such as Anne Frank, a critical Jewish figure during the holocaust. Therefore, the story contains very real and authentic details. R. J. Palacio is the award winning author of Wonder, a book almost every person has read or watched in elementary. Palacio draws from the world changing themes in her previous book such as bullying, the power of kindness, and strong emotional themes such guilt, love, fear, courage, and forgiveness just to name a few. This graphic novel is powerful, captivating, and emotional. This book not only contains powerful themes from history but connects to modern day issues and civic participation such as the banning of refugees by Trump in the United States.

Fun fact: The character Julien is the same character that got expelled from the school in Wonder for bullying the main character Auggie Pullman. Both books are a must read for everyone.

Who:

Since this book deals with the harsh realities of the holocaust I would recommend ages 12+ or grades 5-8.