We Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and Resistance

by Deborah Hopkinson

Sibert Honor author Deborah Hopkinson unearths the heroic stories of Jewish survivors from different countries so that we may never forget the past.
As World War II raged, millions of young Jewish people were caught up in the horrors of the Nazis' Final Solution. Many readers know of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi state's genocidal campaign against European Jews and others of so-called "inferior" races. Yet so many of the individual stories remain buried in time. Of those who endured the Holocaust, some were caught by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps, some hid right under Hitler's nose, some were separated from their parents, some chose to fight back. Against all odds, some survived. They all have stories that must be told. They all have stories we must keep safe in our collective memory.

In this thoroughly researched and passionately written narrative nonfiction for upper middle-grade readers, critically acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson allows the voices of Holocaust survivors to live on the page, recalling their persecution, survival, and resistance. Focusing on testimonies from across Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Poland, Hopkinson paints a moving and diverse portrait of the Jewish youth experience in Europe under the shadow of the Third Reich. With archival images and myriad interviews, this compelling and beautifully told addition to Holocaust history not only honors the courage of the victims, but calls young readers to action -- by reminding them that heroism begins with the ordinary, everyday feat of showing compassion toward our fellow citizens.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Holocaust, World War II, Biography, Historical, Middle Grade

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

I write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)

NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.

I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crucial Reading

This is one of the most important books I have ever read!

An oral history of the Holocaust brings it right into our lives. So sad, it tears me apart.

Please read this book or another like it. These stories must be told and retold.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the result of intensive research and it includes extensive resources and photographs. However, the main strengths are the first-hand testimonies of Holocaust survivors and their stories. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 focuses on Fleeing from Evil, Hiding from Horror. Part 2: Families Torn Apart; and Part 3: Desperation and Defiance.

There are so many stories of survivors, but the author concentrated on survivors from Germany, Netherlands, France and Poland. This is a must-have for all schools, especially showing readers the importance of primary sources to tell true stories of these survivors who were ordinary people whose lives are truly inspiring.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly one year ago, I reviewed We Had To Be Brave: Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport by Deborah Hopkinson. In that book, Hopkinson used the Kindertransport stories of real children to show today's readers what life was like under Nazi oppression and the difficult choices parents had to make to keep their children safe.
Hopkinson's newest book, We Must Not Forget, looks at the ways in which Jewish children and teens survived the Holocaust despite the Nazis best efforts to rid Europe of its Jewish population. The book is divided into three parts, each part covering a country that the Nazis invaded and occupied. Part One: "Fleeing from Evil, Hiding from Horror" includes stories from Germany and the Netherlands; Part Two: "Families Torn Apart" looks at stories from France; and Part Three: "Desperation and Defiance" are stories from Poland. Within each part is a short introduction to each person, followed by pertinent key dates and a photo album relating to each individual country.

Using personal testimonies, letters, oral histories, memoirs and archival photographs, Hopkinson has provided a wide variety of experiences and perspectives on what each person profiled lived through. Hopkinson skillfully weaves these personal stories of each Jewish family with information about the rise of Hitler and the Nazis in Germany, and their invasion and occupation in the Netherlands, France, and Poland needed to understand the desperate fight to survive that Jews in those countries were in.

And fight they did. German teenager Fred Angress, living in the Netherlands with his family, was able to get a position with the Jewish Council after his father was arrested, never to be seen again. His job not only delayed Fred's own deportation, but Fred found ways to help as many Jews as he could, including smuggling them out of the gathering place where deportation began.

In France, Oeuvre de Secours aux Enfants or OSE homes where set up for Jewish children and teens where Alfred and Ernest Moritz went after a stranger told their mother to get them away from the registration line they were on where names and addresses of all Jews in their area were recorded and get them to safety. At the OSE home they went to, Alfred and Ernest were give false ID papers and ration cards. Ultimately, the brothers ended up living with a French peasant woman and passing for Christian until France was liberated.

Other children, like Ruth Oppenheimer and her older sister Hannah were sent to England on the Kindertransport. One brother was already living in South America, the other in the United States. Younger sibling Michael was rescued by a Quaker organization, and finally, younger sister Feo was taken to live in an OSE home. All six Oppenheimer siblings survived the Holocaust, but sadly their parents perished in Auschwitz.

Sisters Gertrud and Herta Michelsohn were deported from Germany to the Riga Ghetto in Latvia in 1941 with their parents. After their parents were sent to a death camp, the sisters found strength to go on with each other, even surviving a winter death march in 1944. Eventually, they ended up in Sweden, survivors of the Holocaust.

After her family was forced to move into the Nowogródek ghetto in what was then Poland, Paula Burger's mother made her promise to look after her little brother Isaac if anything happened to her parents. After they disappeared, Paula learned that her father had made arrangements to have his children smuggled out of the ghetto. One night, in the fall of 1942, that's exactly what happened. Paula and Isaac were taken to their father, where he was in hiding in the forest after joining the Bielski partisans. The Bielski's were a large family with 12 children. The partisan unit was formed after their parents and two brothers were killed by the Nazis. Led by eldest brother Tuvia Bielski, the partisans sabotaged the Nazis, blowing up trains and bridges, as well as going after collaborators and informers. Paula, Isaac, and their father remained in hiding with the Bielski partisans until July 1944 when the area was liberated by the Soviet army.

These are just some of the survivors readers will meet in this fascinating, well-researched book. Each of the 12 people profiled have their own unique story of survival to tell, though each lost loved one, killed by the Nazis. It's sometimes hard to grasp the magnitude of the Holocaust and its victims, but reading these eyewitness personal accounts helps to bring what happened closer to us now that so many survivors are no longer living. And thanks to Hopkinson's in-depth knowledge of the Holocaust, she is able to make what can feel like a very complicated subject much more comprehensible.

There are copious photographs throughout each part, as well an invitation to "Look, Listen, Remember" at the end of each profile, where readers can listen to survivors tell their story. Extensive back matter includes a Glossary, a Timeline of WWII, a list of Museum Websites and Online Resources to explore, Oral Histories, Articles, and Interviews by and about the people in this book, an extensive Bibliography and of course, source notes (because Deborah is a truly consummate researcher).

And if you think these stories are just in the past, I would suggest you reconsider. After all, the past is never past. Nationalistic right wing extremism is on the rise in Europe and the United States and once again, Jews are being singled out. Let these stories serve an a reminder and a warning.

This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was gratefully received from the author

[Liza Wiemer]

A collection of Holocaust stories well-researched from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, including photos, and some short interviews.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great intro to the Holocaust shown through the personal histories of children who lived through it. Middle grades to middle school especially would be interested. It did a great job defining various words and historical events that kids may not know much about. One story in particular discusses circumcision as a way to prove a male was Jewish. It didn’t explain it so kids who don’t know what that is would either ask or skim over it. Everything else was explained and shown through the narratives of these brave souls. Highly recommend for grades 5-8.

[Jameyanne Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so difficult to read, and so powerful and important. I don't have words.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book on the Holocaust that everyone should read.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on Libby from my library. Fantastic narrator with a crisp English accent. So many desperately sad, heroic and inspiring stories of Holocaust survivors. And from so many different perspectives. Impeccably researched. Very well written and readable (listenable?), especially for older middle grade readers and teens new to the subject matter.

[Manya Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad, heartbreaking, anger, resilience and strength. Everyone should read 1st hand accounts.

[M.L. Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange Partner: We Must Not Forget by @deborah_hopkinson. Available NOW through @scholasticinc.
Last year, when I read Deborah Hopkinson’s book on the Kindertransport, I found her to be a magnificent writer who packed her book with research, testimonials, and photographs. This book, sort of a sequel, was exactly the same way.
While the Kindertransport book was about Jewish kids who were able to escape before things got too bad, We Must Not Forget is about the kids and young adults left behind, who survived in hiding, in ghettos, and sometimes even in camps.
The book is split into parts: The Holocaust in Germany and Holland, the Holocaust in France, and the Holocaust in Poland. I actually enjoyed the Poland part most, because it included chapters on the Bielski Partisans and the Warsaw Uprising, two things I had been interested in and wanted to learn more about.
This book was sadder than the Kindertransport book, but it was amazing to see the ingenious and miraculous ways people survived, and how they went on to live fulfilling lives.
We Must Not Forget is available now and is another winner from @deborah_hopkinson! Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy—all opinions are my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just spent almost an hour bookmarking websites and adding more books to-read on my Goodreads account due to this book. Wow, this author has done an impressive amount of research! This is a young adult nonfiction book covering many untold stories of the Holocaust. There is never enough middle school/young adult nonfiction out there, so I would highly recommend this book. Many younger readers may know about Anne Frank and Elie Wiesel, but this author highlights other untold stories.

The book is divided into three parts: true stories from Germany and the Netherlands, from France, and from Poland. There are pictures and illustrations interspersed with the text. Then at the end of almost every chapter, she includes a link with a website, video, interview, recording, or etc. to look up to learn more. She also lists key dates for each section of the story and includes a glossary for terms such as antisemitism and Aryans. Finally, she has a detailed bibliography with books, newspapers, articles, websites, and videos to check out. Then there is a source notes section and index at the end.

There were so many heartbreaking parts in this book such as how some German soldiers and commanders would have Jews perform for their entertainment and then kill them (33). One commander of a ghetto enjoyed watching amputations (32-33). One young girl went to go get her mom a jacket before a deportation, and then found her mom was gone after that (34). Her mom spared her daughter's life by tricking her to go get the jacket! Some survivors immigrated to the United States, and then Americans would ask the survivors not to speak of the past; I was ashamed to read this part! How could anyone say this to them after everything they went through (39)?! (Excuse all the exclamation points, but I found this unreal.) I also struggle to understand how 400,000 people were crammed in the Warsaw ghetto in only one and a third square mile area (212).

You could spend hours not only reading this book but looking at all the additional information included. I plan on purchasing this book and explore the many books and websites discussed. I hope others purchase this book and continue to read about the Holocaust to do as Hopkinson instructs:
"To give the dead a voice. Their testimonies also serve as a call to action, a reminder that it's up to us to work for a world where genocide is unthinkable. But we don't have to be larger-than-life heroes or in the middle of war to practice being fair, just, inclusive, and kind- to stand up for someone else. The work of making that world begins in the here and now, in ordinary, everyday actions. It begins with us" (Foreword).

[Chantelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It must all be recorded with not a single fact omitted. And when the time comes - as it surely will - let the world read and know what the murderers have done."
-Emanuel Ringelblum, historian of the Warsaw ghetto, executed in 1944

If you don't know or understand what happened during the Holocaust, you will gain some insights after reading this book. These are just a handful of the stories from survivors of the most extreme, systemic, ruthless campaigns of state-sponsored murder in the entire history of our world. There are at least 6 million more innocent Jewish people who were massacred by gas chambers, execution, and other unimaginably torturous ways whose stories may never be heard. This is my plea to all of you to not allow our shared history to be erased nor to be lost in time.

Key dates:

1925 - Adolf Hitler publishes his autobiography, "Mein Kampf" (My Struggle), where he blames Jews for all of Germany's problems. His book is full of harsh antisemitic rhetoric.

1933 - Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany and the Nazi party immediately begins persecuting Jews.

1935 - The Nuremberg Laws strip German Jews of their citizenship and impose other restrictions.

1938 - Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass), November 9 and 10 there is an outbreak of widespread, organized violence targeting Jews. Jewish synagogues are burned, and businesses and homes are ransacked and destroyed. Up to 30,000 Jewish men are arrested and imprisoned in concentration camps.

September 3, 1939 - World War II officially begins.

1941 - Nazi Germany began implementing the policy to kill all Jews, known as the "Final Solution" to the "Jewish question". In addition to Jews, Nazi Germany killed Soviet and Polish citizens, Roma, people with disabilities, homosexuals, and others.

September 1941 - Jews in Germany, Austria, and western Poland are required to wear the Star of David. (This requirement was used to segregate, intimidate, and deport Jewish citizens)

January 20, 1942 - The Wannsee Conference is held in a suburb of Berlin, Germany. Senior government officials ensure that all departments will cooperate and implement the "Final Solution".

June 6, 1944 - The Allies land on the beaches of Normandy, beginning the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe and defeat Germany.

1945 - Hitler commits suicide on April 30. Germany surrenders on May 7, to take effect on May 8, which is now known as VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day.

Between 1933 and 1945, the Nazis established more than 44,000 different death camps, resulting in the slaughter of over 6 million Jews.

Remember them.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this massive collection of stories from Holocaust survivors or those who resisted efforts to extinguish them is apt: WE MUST NOT FORGET. We must not forget these heroic individuals or the movement that tried to eradicate them. We must not forget the lessons from the past. With impeccable research, multiple stories, and the words and voices of those who somehow lived through those times, author Deborah Hopkinson focuses on the accounts of survivors or their relatives from parts of Germany and the Netherlands, France, and Poland. The book contains several archival photographs and reminds young readers that even the smallest act of compassion or courage can save lives, offer hope or provide a counterpoint to dominant points of view. Stories of individuals who hid in plain sight or on farms or who become part of the Resistance movement or fought against the Nazis in the Ghetto even when the odds were overwhelming offer inspiration for the next generation as well as amplifying parts of Holocaust history with which many will not be familiar. As the author correctly points out, while most individuals will be familiar with the story of Anne Frank and her family, there are so many other stories of heroism that need telling. Those can be found here as well as online through various Holocaust Memorial Museum website links. The stories can be overwhelming at points so young readers might want to read them in small bites rather than gulping the words down in one sitting. The author's keen interest in this topic and these remarkable individuals shines through in every line, and many readers will find themselves asking what they would have done if faced with similar circumstances. This is an excellent addition to a personal or classroom library of Holocaust literature.

[Roger D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We Must Not Forget" by Deborah Hopkinson is a profound testament to human resilience, distinguished by its collection of deeply personal and individual survivor stories. What elevates this book beyond a typical Holocaust narrative is the author's remarkable inclusion of internet links to recorded interviews with many of the survivors. This allows readers to not only read about harrowing experiences but to see and hear the voices of those who endured them—a rare and powerful connection across time. Future generations are offered a firsthand glimpse into the profound evil faced by so many, reinforcing that each Holocaust story, however familiar the subject, remains uniquely devastating. Hopkinson's compelling writing style draws the reader in, underscoring how the slimmest of circumstances could tip the balance between life and death. The book powerfully illustrates the pervasive and systematic nature of Nazi brutality, showing it not as isolated acts but as a corrosive force that left no room for compassion. It's a vital read that ensures these stories, and the lessons they hold, will indeed not be forgotten.

[Erin Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a nudge from current events, it occurred to me that much of my reading about the narrative pieces of the Holocaust came from fictional accounts written by non-Jewish writers who centered white saviors. I wanted to change that and I’m so glad this book was recommended.

This text was rich with primary accounts—interviews and texts from Jewish survivors from various locations and times. I think it would make a great middle school introduction and was even brainstorming the ways students could divide up to focus on the different people portrayed and complete maps and timeline visuals to support their sharing of learning. But alas, I am no longer a teacher.

As my own sort of student I learned a lot from these records. It is wild to me that so many people today seem to have forgotten or downplay this horrific time. Though tough to read, the harrowing examples of heroism were very moving. I highly recommend.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author tells the stories of some of the Jewish children who survived the Holocaust. The book is divided into 3 parts with accounts of survivors from Germany and the Netherlands, France and Poland. Each section offers context with background information and focuses on interviews of a few people from each country. This is a well-researched narrative written in a matter-of-fact style de-
tailing the horrific experiences that every courageous youngster struggled through.The author in-cluded numerous photographs, a glossary, timeline, an extensive list of resources, bibliography, source notes and an index. Also, there are links to audio recordings of the featured survivors. This is a valuable source of stories not previously told, suitable for research for ages 10 and up.

[Lauren Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't want to take away from the importance of a book that shares stories of Jewish resistance against the Germans before and during World War II and the Holocaust, and this book is absolutely worth picking up to learn more about the ways many Jews – especially the many children who went into hiding or on the run – fought back against the regime. That said, this is kind of a lazy compilation of stories that already existed elsewhere, with all stories kind of Wikipedia-ized into relatively quick summaries without the author really adding much, if any, context of their own. I wrote undergrad papers with more analysis and was kind of surprised at how surface-level it was. It was also VERY short.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award-winning author Hopkinson has created an engaging nonfiction book featuring the first-hand stories of Holocaust survivors from Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Poland.These heart-breaking stories and accompanying photographs will help readers understand the magnitude of the Holocaust and the millions who were killed. Thoroughly-researched with suggestions for further reading, this is a great place to begin the search for primary sources. Each story ends with a “Look, Listen, Remember” link to an audio or video interview with the survivor. An important book to add to school collections.

[Karen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better than her recent book, "We Had to be Brave," and it was quite good.
It is engaging, inspiring (although, of course, also tragic), and it was well organized - easier to follow than the Brave book.

This highlighted different parts of Europe and different situations, which made it especially interesting. It could show kids how people "let it happen" (which I was often asked about when teaching a unit on Anne Frank), as well as how important it is to stand against evil and to help others.

And, all the people were real and entirely relatable.
A wonderful addition to Holocaust books.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched book with words and stories of those that survived the Holocaust and what they lived through and what they had to do to survive. Does not give a lot of background information. It’s important to remember Anne Frank was not the only one that had to hide or suffer...there were many. This book would be excellent for junior high and up. It also includes links to the survivors actually speaking their story which is always so much better than reading the words.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of Holocaust survivors written for middle grades students, but enjoyable for older students and adults. I couldn’t put it down.

Hopkinson has obviously done extensive research, she tells the truth (much of it not pretty), and she tries to relay the motivations of these survivors as well.

Due to the timing, the stories being told happened when most of these individuals were young children, preteens, or teens when they lived through the Holocaust.

[Sarah Bodaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many Holocaust stories, even those of the survivors, are depressing and focus on the atrocious details. This book takes a turn from that familiar narrative and is uplifting – it tells the stories of survival and daring resistance among the younger Jewish generations in Poland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Interviews, diaries, and much first-hand documentation was compiled in an engrossing narrative that spans the war.

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly researched account of the Holocaust through voices of survivors. As told through testimonies, archival images and interviews. This Holocaust history honors the courage of the victims. It calls young people to action by reminding them that heroism begins with ordinary, everyday feat of showing compassion.

[Dara Potvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook and it was very compelling. Having visited a few concentration camps in 2019 this really brought back images and information learned there. I still find it so unfathomable that human beings can be so cruel! I have already recommended this book to other and intend to continue to do so.

[Ashley Manners · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved reading history books, especially those about the Holocaust. This book is a great book to include in the classroom to help students learn about this horrific subject. This is a very hard topic to cover with students, but I feel this book is incredibly written and would be a great to include in any lesson.

[Mackenzie Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book We Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and Resistance by Deborah Hopkinson contains stories of the survivors from which went through The Holocaust. This book being a high level, more mature book gives great detail for research and understanding the history of the devastating events that took place.

[Leah Cappadonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was a very easy that made it very easy to stay engage from the start to the end. It is broken down into three parts. Each part included three chapters. Each chapter was a different first hand account of the Jewish perspective of the holocaust.

Have already recommended to several friends!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Hopkinson’s narrative nonfiction collection of true stories of Jewish youth from Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Poland during the Nazis’ “Final Solution” in World War II honors the courage of Holocaust victims and those who played roles in their survival. The memoirs also serve as a reminder that “we must not forget.” (Gr 6 Up)

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was reading this to preview for my daughter. I thought it was good and appropriately written for the middle age readers. Definitely would help them grasp that part of history without being overly graphic to the horrors that truly took place. Not written in a way that was terribly attention grabbing but enough I never got bored.

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compendium of many personal stories based off interviews, oral histories and extensive research. Well laid out for younger readers -- lots of pictures, short formats, broken up by country and timelines. Really stellar history that pulls many pieces into a cohesive whole.