Millman, I. (2005). Hidden child. Canada: Douglas & McIntyre Publishing Group.


The Holocaust and WWII were devastating events in our history. I seem to find these particular events interesting and captivating to study. When I learned of this book, I was excited to begin reading it. Having already read the Diary of Anne Frank, I knew what the children of the time experienced, at least from her point of view. The young man in the story, Isaac, was a Jew living in France in the late 1930s. Isaac's family was happy in Paris, until the war began. In 1940 the German Army invaded France. Half of the country was under German rule, including where Isaac and his family live. They began witnessing families being deported and torn apart. One morning Isaac's father was arrested and sent to a prison camp. This is when Isaac's story takes a devastating turn. Eventually the Germans come knocking on Isaac's door in search of Jews. He and his mother manage to escape. Isaac is later taken from his mother and lives in many different situations, some not so pleasant. After the war Isaac is able to come out of hiding, but where is his family? Will he be reunited with his mother and father? Read Hidden Child for Isaac's amazing story. 


This story is an autobiography because it tells, in first person, the actual experiences of a young Jewish boy who was forced into hiding during the Holocaust. In this authentic biography, Isaac tells of his eyewitness accounts and his feelings throughout his experience. There is enough information about the war for young children to have some background knowledge and understanding of the situation the Jews were in. Some children might even relate to Isaac in the fact that he is taken from his parents. They may connect with his feelings and experiences with other families. 


BIG question: Based on what you have read, how would your feelings be compared to Isaac's about the situations he was in?


Explain what it would be like to know that you might be another prisoner the German's capture.