Remember My Story: A Girl, a Holocaust Survivor, and a Friendship That Made History

by Claire Sarnowski

Told through "moments of despair, heartbreak, laughter, and triumph" (Kirkus), this "inspiring" (Booklist) and "hopeful" (School Library Journal) memoir tells the true story of how a modern teen girl and her Holocaust-survivor friend fought against hate to create change.

In 2018, fourteen-year-old Claire Sarnowski stood with ninety-two-year-old Alter Wiener in front of the Oregon state senate to champion a cause the two friends both believed making Holocaust education mandatory in their state’s public school curriculum. Theirs was an unexpected friendship—she was in elementary school when they met, and he was an aging Holocaust survivor whose memoir she had read—and together they were going to change the American education system.

Alter had spent decades speaking to audiences of all ages and backgrounds about the Holocaust, teaching that “never forgetting” could help spread tolerance and prevent such an atrocity from happening again. But Claire knew hate crimes were still being committed, in her own town and even in her own school. She didn’t want Alter’s efforts on Holocaust education to be in vain.

From strangers to friends to law-changing history makers, Claire and Alter’s mission was always Remember this story. This page-turning memoir is a tribute to a man who survived the worst of humanity, an ode to friendship and community, and an empowering call to activism.

Genres: Middle Grade, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Holocaust, Friendship, Memoir

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my goals for 2024 is to explore more non-fiction targeted at a middle grade audience. I saw this title while at work and decided to give it a read. It didn't disappoint. It's heartfelt and heart-breaking and captures the impact of reading, education, and empathy very well.

Remember My Story: A Girl, a Holocaust Survivor, and a Friendship That Made History follows the development of the friendship between Claire Sarnowski and Holocaust survivor Alter Wiener. The first time she meets him is when he comes to speak to her elementary school. After the 2016 election and a series of school shootings, Claire begins to notice an increase of intolerance and racist behaviors amongst her peers. She also realizes that Holocaust education isn't a mandatory part of the curriculum. With the assistance of Alter, Claire makes the decision to appear before the Oregan State Senate to make the change of a lifetime.

What Worked: This book is a quick and accessible, yet powerful read. Claire perfectly shares what it's like to be a teenager in this generation witnessing our current culture war. It's easy to view these things from the perspective of an adult, but I appreciated learning more about how it's impacting this generation. In a society where hate has become normalized, it was gut wrenching to read about the emotional toll it has on kids like Claire. I also appreciated the representation of intergenerational friendships. There's is so much compassion and caring that is shared between Claire and Alter and they learn so much from each other. Claire also illustrates that it is possibly to make change regardless of age whether you're young or old. In a time where it's easy to feel so defeated, as if there isn't anything we can do, Claire reminded me that using one's voice is an extremely important part of advocacy. It added a little brightness to extremely dark times. This book is also needed in a time where America is experiencing elevated levels of book banning and challenging, when Holocaust education is being removed from curriculums. Claire reminds us that reading and education builds empathy. This book does end on somewhat of a somber note, but I'm happy that Claire was able to share her story and as well as Alter's.

There is so much to be gained from this book. If you're into non-fiction regardless of age, then this isn't one that you would want to miss!

[caffeinated_reads3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah. Okay. I just finished this book and I’m in tears. I was in tears before the story came to its conclusion. As someone who has family who are Jewish and have been to the National Holocaust museum in Washington DC, this story played the strings of my heart.

You could say it’s fate for this story to have come out at this time of history. There are acts of terrorism everywhere, from the war between Russia and Ukraine, to the atrocities happening in Palestine and Israel. Either way, there is still hate in this world, and as the book states, if we do not teach what happened in history, it is bound to happen again.

This is a story about a girl who meets a Holocaust survivor. They embark on a journey to create change and become best friends. The author is a very fortunate person to have had been in the good company of an amazing soul.

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Books for the chance to read for this review. I hope this book touches your soul as it has mine.

[Komal Pandya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful read filled with inspiration, love and compassion.
To learn of their relationship- the richness life can be filled with after experiencing incredible horrors and challenges- and the support that family, friends and larger community rally up, all add to the hope that Alter believed in. Claire shares of her journey from the moment of meeting Alter to her why in sharing his and her story. Their story teaches us how to navigate in a time where there is so much disconnect. Their story is a reminder of being better, not bitter; of how to engage in challenging conversations and the qualities of humanity (humility, kindness, hope, respect, etc.). It's an incredible reminder to use our voice in meaningful, enriching ways that add value to our communities and future generations. Tissue box required.

[Danielle Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Remember My Story and now I'm in tears. This book is equal parts heartwarming, inspiring and heartbreaking. Alter Weiner sounds like he was truly an amazing man. I am so glad that i got the chance to learn about him.

I am a firm believer that the Holocaust needs to be taught in schools. We must learn from our history, or we are doomed to repeat it. I am in awe of the strength and resilience of the people in this book. Is it possible to look up to someone half your age? Because Claire is an incredible young lady that did so much.

I almost feel at a loss for words when trying to articulate my feelings about this book. It breaks my heart that we live in a world where antisemitism and racism not only run rampant, but is condoned and excused by a portion of the population.

I imagine this book will at some point wind up on a banned book list, if it hasn't already. Instead, I'd like to see it placed on the required reading list. There are so many take aways from this book that i feel like it's an important book to get in front of young readers.

I've also added Alter Weiner's book From a Name to a Number to my list of books to read/buy. Rest in Peace Alter.


Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Ranada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book yesterday. For those of us who are jaded adults, we need this reminder. For those of us who strive to make a difference and feel that it is all for naught: read this book.

I will never make the kind of change Alter and Claire have, but my hope is that more Alter and Claires will be in the world and make real, tangible change.

This story is wonderful, heartwrenching, and inspirational.

Read it.

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful true story that shows that anyone, young or old, can make a difference.
Claire is around nine years old when her written account begins. She meets a Holocaust survivor named Alter Wiener who immediately impacts her life through his stories, kindness, and open heart.
Through Alter, Claire learns of the Holocaust's true horrors; the Holocaust and other genocide events in history are not taught in Oregon schools. The main premise of the story is how the two friends fight for a law to be passed that will mandate schools teach children genocide history.

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Pfeifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!! Just wow!!! What an impactful book!! I couldn’t put it down. Amazing and inspiring. I was crying while reading. It has inspired me to do better in the future. Thank you for sharing your story!! Powerful!!

[Sheila O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of how Claire Sarnowski and Alter Weiner changed the educational policies in the state of Oregon.

This Holocaust book focuses on the education of youth in America about the Holocaust. Claire Sarnowski met Alter Wiener through a talk he was giving about his experiences during the Holocaust. He was a prolific speaker in the state of Oregon at community meetings and schools. His message focused on treating people kindly. They became friends and met regularly to discuss this topic and life. They were motivated to help people see the connection between modern events and the events of the Holocaust. There are many acts of hatred in the USA that stem from misunderstandings and prejudice. Several local and national events motivated the author and Alter to work towards change in their state. In 2018, they worked to create a law for the state of Oregon for the education of the Holocaust and genocides in middle and high school classrooms. This was the work of a lifetime for Alter but the passion and civic engagement project for the teenager, Claire.

This was a fascinating read and it created a sense of connection with modern events that seem to have similar origins in hatred and prejudice. Alter's speeches continued throughout his life. Sadly, the survivors of the Holocaust are aging and their message needs to continue. People have prejudices and beliefs in stereotypes that are harmful. Alter could see these challenges facing his community and the United States more and more frequently in violent actions of individuals and groups. The education of teenagers about personal decisions that may have positive or negative consequences is considered a common goal in education. This book shows how one teenager, Claire, could work to make a change in her community through activism and a passion for a cause.

As a teacher, I could use this book to showcase how one or a handful of people can make a difference. This event took place in 2018 and it is a modern reform to the educational system in Oregon. Many states followed Oregon's lead and added an educational policy that requires the teaching of the events of the Holocaust. The educational focus is on eliminating prejudice and racism by teaching tolerance, acceptance, and empathy. The other focus is to teach about this historic event in context to who how laws and the political system in Germany led to the Holocaust. Never again is a phrase associated with eliminating a repeat of the genocide. Sadly, genocides have continued to happen throughout the world even after the Holocaust. Education needs to be a part of the solution and this book is a reminder that laws and change in society start with one person.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring true story of how a young girl, Claire, and Alter, an elderly Holocaust survivor, become great friends,and work together to fight against hate and bring about change. She became passionate to his cause (to never allow people to forget what happened) after hearing him speak on the Holocaust in her classroom when she was just 9 years old.
Before Alter died in 2018, they went to the Oregon state senate promoting making Holocaust education mandatory in their state’s public school curriculum, with the premise that if we forget history, it will happen again. This beautiful memoir honors a man who survived 3 years in concentration camps, and shows how youth can make positive changes in society. This book also reminds us we all can promote and show compassion & kindness in our world. And, as Alter said, “ be better, not bitter.” On 3/12/19 their education bill passed unanimously! Then on 7/15/19 the Senate bill #664 became law, and Claire’s best friend’s dream finally came true, assuring children in Oregon would never be denied an education about one of histories greatest tragedies. This book has inspired me to now read Alter’s book “From a Name to a Number”

[WKPL Children's/YA Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Lori read this book mostly because I remember when Alter Wiener died and the story around his death...and then his life story. This is almost 2 stories in one, as Claire Sarnowski writes a memoir about her unlikely friendship with Alter--a Holocaust survivor.
After meeting Alter at a talk he gave at her school, she became passionate about his cause to never allow people to forget what happened. Together, she and the elderly Wiener worked toward creating a bill in the state of Oregon to make Holocaust education in public schools mandatory. Claire was 14 years old at the time.
Alter's motto had been that people ought to be "better, not bitter" despite whatever their history is. It is a lesson we all should embrace.
This book is perfect for 5th grade readers through adults.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was amazing. And Alter practically lived in my backyard...I wish I'd been able to hear & meet him before he passed. But he & Claire's persistence in getting Holocaust education into schools is working! Our daughter graduated from the Beaverton School District last year (2024), which is a neighboring school district of Claire's (Lake Oswego, OR). Her (our daughter's) senior year's IB Lit class read & studied "Night", by Elie Wiesel, which is his memoir of his family's Holocaust experience in the Nazi concentration camps. It was really impactful on her and her classmates. And I'm going to pick up Alter's book ASAP, and maybe even visit his bench in Hillsboro :) Thank you, Claire!

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the thing that is so powerful about this book is that it reads like a motivated and determined kid wrote it, because that's who wrote it. I love to hear about Alter's story, but I also love to hear Claire's story and how young people can agitate to change laws to make the world a better place. I love how positive this is, in the face of how bad things are. I love the message -- that no genocides should be forgotten, because we can do better. I love that this centers education, and shines forth with a faith that if people know about the atrocities of the past, they will work to prevent them in future. It doesn't explain Gaza, but I appreciate that the idea is there.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because it is an Oregon Battle of the Books title for the 6th-8th grade division. This short memoir felt extremely close to home as the young protagonist and author Claire grew up in the Lake Oswego School District. While I loved the charm of this teen’s friendship with Holocaust survivor Alter, the writing itself felt rudimentary and lacked complexity or polish- truly the writing of a young teen. The content was interesting but came across like a college admissions essay. The final chapters regarding Alter’s fate and the outcome of the pair’s proposed bill to mandate Holocaust education carried the book across the finish line. I listened to the audiobook on Libby.

[Ann M-L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of memoirs, so I almost passed on it when my friend recommended it to me. I bought the book this morning and finished in 3 hours. Seriously. Once I was hooked, there was no going back. All I can say is... what a beautiful story and friendship that touches the soul. All the feels with this one. The only "friendship" book that can compare is Albom's "Tuesdays With Morrie"-- and I read that book over 20 years ago. This message is so needed by those younger and older and I can say this is a "must read!"

[Kate N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly deserves 5 stars for the subject matter.
Alter Wiener, the Holocaust survivor in this book, spoke at my kids' elementary school a couple times. I'm not sure if the kids could grasp what he was talking about, but it was certainly amazing for me to see him there. I've read his book, "From a Name to a Number" and would say it's quite profound. I'm glad this young girl took to heart what he said in her school, became his close friend, and spearheaded the bill to get the Holocaust required learning in Oregon schools.

[Patricia Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please please please read this book! The author lived/is living this story. She shares the spotlight with Alter, a Holocaust survivor, who had lived in 4 different concentration camps during WWII. Alter’s outlook on life: Be better, not bitter. Alter’s legacy lives on in Oregon and other states as well, as some politicians heard their pleas and took action. Alter and Claire’s story speaks directly to the scary times we are facing in the USA this very minute. If everyone would take the time to read this story, maybe we can save our country from following that dark path 80 years ago.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most touching stories of friendship I’ve ever read, and it’s even more meaningful that it’s true. The anecdotes made me smile, laugh, cry, and feel deeply; with the storytelling and writing, it was easy to sense myself as part of Claire and Alter’s friendship. I finished this book in just two sittings and will be recommending it to my friends and family, especially my junior high and high school relatives.

[Jen Donnalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for MS becuase it's a true story about a MS girl who works with a 92 year old Holocaust survivor to get the laws changed in ORegon to ensure every student learns about this piece of history in school. So cool that she was able to make change happen at such a young age! Great for our kids to read about.

[Arjun Manoj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so emotional
R.I.P Alter Wiener
Born Circa 1926- Died December 11 2018
Claire was making a big effort on making holocaust education in Oregon a law! Kudos!

[Stacie Tew]

I really needed a book like this: the story of people choosing love and forgiveness in the face of hate and advocating for the importance of teaching true, hard history. I also needed to know that there are young people in my own community working to make things better. The writing on the book is not the best but the story is important. Great YA book.

[Erica Terhune · Rating 4 out of 5]

A junior fiction book, based on a true story. Claire was influenced at a young age by Alter Wiener, a Holocaust survivor. A story of their friendship. Her mission to help stop hate with Alter and his story. A book that all should read.

[Alison Jenks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that comes from Lake Oswego, OR. I wish I could have met Arter in person or hear his speach about the holocaust. Now to find his book and read it. I’m great full for the author and her work to get the holocaust and other genocides become required learning in oregon schools.

[Zero]

How can I rate a book about someone’s life story?

This was an amazing read and a way to learn about Alter. If it wasn’t for Clarie and him I wouldn’t have been able to learn about the holocaust in school.

[LS Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to rate this 5-stars because this author told her truth. So vital right now in the current political climate.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story of friendship across the decades, tenacity, and the importance of Holocaust education. A bit long and sometimes repetitive

[Jennifer Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this! It is a powerful story and gives hope to what together we can accomplish. Geared toward young adults, but the lessons are relevant to everyone.

[Jodi Voletto · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT BOOK

[Charise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Pre read for my 9-year olds book club. Good story about friendship, doing good to others, survival, Holocaust education, and community activism at any age.

[Holly Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

OBOB 25/26

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for an intergenerational friendship.