Shadow of His Hand: a Story Based on the Life of Holocaust Survivor Anita Dittman

Daughters of the Faith #7

by Wendy Lawton

Daughters of the Faith: ordinary girls who did extraordinary things for God.

Young Anita Dittman's world crumbles as Hitler begins his rise to power in Germany, but because she's a Christian and only half-Jewish, Anita feels sure she and her family are safe from the "final solution." She couldn't have been more wrong.

Shadow of His Hand is based on the real-life story of Anita Dittman, a Holocaust survivor. It follows her struggle against Nazi persecution and her growth in her relationship with God through the worst of times.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Holocaust, Christian, Childrens, Christian Fiction, World War II

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Wendy Lawton, award-winning writer, sculptor, and doll designer, founded the Lawton Doll Company in 1979.
Lawton is a long-time lover of classic Christian literature. She has written eight books in her young adult Daughters of the Faith series. These books were followed by a series of four teen books and a nonfiction adult book. She won the 1999 Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. She also won the famous Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest for the intentional worst first line of a novel in the Children’s Literature category.

Lawton received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters degree on January 18, 2004, from Wilmington College, located in New Castle, Delaware.

She and Keith, her husband of 30 years, are the parents of three. They reside in Hilmar, California, where they farm 30 acres of almonds and care for two dogs, an aged goose, and five elderly cats.

Lawton is the Vice President of Books and Such Literary Management. See their website here.

Reviews

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible yet heartbreaking story.....a definite keeper that needs to be reread now and then. So powerful as well as encouraging.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ISBN: 978-0-8024-4074-7 ~ $6.99 - (ages 8-12)

Wendy Lawton has written another inspiring and accurate portrayal of girls in history in her "Daughers of the Faith Series." Shadow of His Hand is the story of Anita Dittman growing up as a young girl and teen during the rise of Hitler's Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Anita's mother is Jewish and her father Aryan. Her father determines that he must separate himself from the contamination of his Jewish wife and their children so he completely rejects them - especially Anita and her mother. The older sister is more tolerable, but she too must go.

Anita attends Christian church one Easter Sunday and recognizes she has a Heavenly Father who will not forsake her. She becomes a Christian. Through the rest of Anita's story, she finds that God provides a cover for her letting her be shielded by the shadow of His hand. Christians provide solace and shelter for her and her family though they do become separated and must labor in concentration camps and labor camps.

This is not a true work of fiction. It follows the actual life of Anita Dittman who survived the Holocaust, came to the United States, and became a speaker and author (Trapped in Hitler's Hell by Anita Dittman).

This is an intense book to read even though it is written for young readers age 8-12. It is short, thorough, engaging. I recommend it for the home library of young girls as well as public and school library collections.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Shadow of His Hand by Moody Publishers on behalf of the author for the purpose of an honest review with no obligation to submit positive remarks. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This story almost made me cry and yet I was awestruck by the mighty hand of God in Anita Dittman's life. Though it deals with the horrors of Nazi Germany and the Jews, there was nothing graphic or defiling in this book. I would recommend this to any WWII history lovers who want to read a true story about a half Jewish girl and what she lived though.

[Jesseca Wheaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
It took me so long to finish this. Maybe because of the writing style? The true-life story was so fascinating to learn about, and heartbreaking to read. Now I need to go hunting on my dad's bookshelves to find the "adult" version of this. ;)

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the 7th chapter aloud to two of my children today while they were busy with their other school work , I chose to read ahead . I could not put the book down until I had read the last word ! I am not going to spoil the story . I will say that my daughters are in 6th and 8th grades . We're studying WWII this year , and this is the first of a few biographies I plan to read aloud . Though some scary parts have led to discussions about how the Holocaust was truly an atrocity , it has been beneficial for them to learn the truth . We should never forget so there is never a repeat !

[Reading Rediscovered · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving story about a young girl who hold on to her face in the throat the horrors of Hitler's Holocaust. Anita has a strong faith that keeps her safe as well as guides her on the path to surviving the war. Because the story is based in fact it becomes that much harder to read but it is also a good reminder that there were good people helping to save as many other people as possible.

[Allyson Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story blew me away! It might even be why I love historical fiction so much now. It's an amazing story and I highly recommend it!!

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book with my 10-y.o. daughter. A true-story from the viewpoint of a young girl who's father was Aryan and mother was Jewish in pre-war and WWII Germany. It illustrates from the real on-the-ground experience, the gradual movement (political and societal) to Hitler's "final solution". The story includes the girl's conversion to Christianity and how her faith sustained her through incredible ordeals.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow of His Hand is the story of Anita Dittman, a young girl who survives Hitler’s Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Trials begin early for young Anita when her own father rejects her, favoring her older sister over her. Soon Anita, her sister, and their mother are cast out of their house by their Aryan father who says he will support them financially, but ultimately does not. One Easter Sunday, Anita goes to church with friends and learns she has a Heavenly Father who will never leave her or forsake her. For the first time in her life, she feels protected and understood. Anita's life rapidly deteriorates into a lack of food, no home of her own, poor education, and little hope. But through everything, she clings to her newfound faith and belief in her Heavenly Father that he is with her always. Anita’s faith in God gave her strength she could never have imagined to get through the hardest time of her life. This book is very good. It has encouraged me to pray more than I ever have before.

Anita, in this book, helped show God through her actions of staying strong when there was no hope all around her. This book helped me to remember to say strong in my faith (even if it’s not as harsh as it was for Anita) and to help show God to people around me. I would read this book if you’re not afraid to cry and let your soft side show. It’s an excellent book full of imagery and figurative language.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second "Daughters of the Faith" books I've read. Once I started I read the whole thing without stopping. Due to this being about the Holocaust I wouldn't hand it to my daughter outright or a sensitive child. A mature middle grader possibly and likely a teenager.

It follows Anita from age 5-17/18. There is discord in her family, arguments, some really strong feelings of hate and rejection from father to daughter (this is resolved over the course of the book), abuse/bullying at school, malnutrition, illness, abuse at the hands of Russian soldiers in a hospital setting, and more. Again it is a Holocaust book so the content is going to have uncomfortable things. It is an important topic to learn and read about and to stay uncomfortable with. If we didn't feel revulsion at what happened how can we prevent a repeat? I think it could definitely work as a read aloud and with discussion. It has a wonderful under story of Christian faith and having faith in God's protection.

[Tasha enderby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful tale of faith, it follows a young women Anita Dittman and her Jewish mother and sister Hella. Anita's mother was married to an Aryan many years before Hitler's reign and though their marriage was never easy as Hitler grew stonger the father grew more hateful and one day threw Out Anita's mother and it was all totally legal. Anita comes to know God through a Catholic church when invited to an Easter mass and for this young half Jewish girl it was like coming home. She had always felt tossed aside and unloved by her real father but she learned that God was her true father and would never forsake her. Her faith grows the war just when you think God is not presant this young women show's you how. It's nice to see where God did show his love in a horrible time.

[Hannah Lofthus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anita Dittman is a wonderful example of a girl who never gave up hope - even when imprisoned in a cruel concentration camp, away from her mother and all her loved ones - and always believes God has a purpose for everything.

Anita's story is so amazing and inspiring - how a real girl, not much older than me, could go through all of that so bravely and full of hope.

I've always been interested in WWII, so I've read lots of different kinds of books about it. This one is now one of my very favorites.

[Wendy Huffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just recently read this book with my girls for our bedtime reading. It's the true story of a young holocaust survivor, Anita Dittman, whose faith in God gave her strength she could never have imagined to get through the hardest time of her life. Powerful book. We are going to read some of the others in this Daughters of the Faith Series. I highly recommend these to read with your daughters.

[Nancy Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably real, touching true story of divine providence helping a child survive the Holocaust during WWII. Written for a young audience, you still have the tears and heartache associated with the Holocaust, but it sparks discussion and lessons of empathy. The theme of seeing God's hand help Anita throughout the book is powerful.

[AlixJamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Anita Dittman before reading this book. I was astonished and encouraged by her firm faith in God. She clung to him when her world fell to pieces, and she trusted him to work his plan for her life. Inspiring!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good. It’s about a young girl and her experience with the holocoast. It’s so good and if you like history books I really recommend this book. It touches your heart and opens your mind. This book is amazing!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story of faith. And found faith in God. And how the love of a father can come around again. It’s a miracle they all survived. I do want to learn about the sister in England. I need to read the other book.

[M.K. Laffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I love reading about history and have a special love for Jews in Nazi Germany, I believe this book illustrated the terrors there very well and Anita Dittman is now one of my favorite historical figures.

[Jenny Shen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read that I picked up at a yard sale. World War II is one of my favorite time periods to read from; I love reading books about Holocaust survivors.

[Erin O'Connor {If The Review Fits} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely inspiring.

[Lisa Denford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I rarely give 5 stars but it was an excellent story centred around God and some amazing people who faced adversity.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring biography about a girl with unshakeable faith even in the midst of unthinkable suffering!

[Ervina Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Anita Dittman’s biography (“Trapped In Hitler’s Hell”) several years ago and wanted to preview this version before my children read it. Incredible story.

[Karina (Karina's Christian Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number of pages: 148

Genre: Historical fiction

Series: Daughters of the faith; order is irrelevant

Age recommendation: 10-14

Summary: Anita Dittman wanted to be a ballerina, and she was well on her way until Hitler's evil plan to wipe out the Jewish people was implemented. Suddenly, her Aryan father wants nothing to do with his Jewish wife and daughters. As she moves from house to house, school to school, can Anita trust God to keep her safe, covered by the shadow of His hand?

My thoughts: This is probably my favourite book in the daughters of the faith series. I admire Anita so much, and I am amazed at God's goodness and protection throughout the war. I think her autobiography is aptly named “Trapped in Hitlers Hell”, although something along the lines of “Preserved Through Hitlers Hell” would also work.
Every survival story of the Holocaust is different, and every story is horrifying. What strikes me in Anita’s story is the way that every promise they were made by the government was broken. They were promised that they wouldn’t be hurt, that mixed Aryan and Jewish people or Christian Jews would be spared, and they were promised to be paid at the work camp to name a few. However none of those promises were kept; they didn’t mean anything.
I appreciated that Mrs. Lawton is very careful to distinguish between Nazis and regular German citizens. She makes a point of saying that many Germans did not know what was going on and, when they realized the extent of Hitler's madness, were appalled and angry with his treatment of not only the Jewish people but other vulnerable minorities (like elderly people, gypsies, etc.) There were Germans who truly believed in the Nazi cause, but many were drawn in to Hitler's scheme because he promised to make their nation as great as it was before the First World War; he provided dignity and hope to this nation. However, he also had horrible ideas for "purifying the country," which many people weren't aware of until they were put into effect. I just like how Mrs. Lawton doesn’t try to paint everyone with the same brush. There are people who do good and people who do bad everywhere. We should recognize each person for who they are and what they do, not what their country or leader has done or is doing.
This book opened my eyes to more plights of the Jewish people during World War Two, but also to more amazing, selfless, God-fearing people who helped them. Now I want to look up Ernst Hornig (the pastor who helped Anita’s family and many others) and see what more I can find out about him. There are so many heroes that we will probably never even hear of, but their kind actions were not forgotten by the people they helped.
The book has a lot about God and learning to trust Him. Anita is always praying for strength and help to get through the difficult days in which she lived. It is centered around Isaiah 51:16 “And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand" (hence the title of the book 😊).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and hearing Anita's story.

My personal rating: 5/5 stars.

Link to blog: https://wordpress.com/post/karinaschr...

[Zorina Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last line of this book is truly remarkable: "God has a very unique way of scooping up the shattered fragments of our hopes and dreams and molding them into a plan of His own—a plan vastly different from ours, but far more wonderful."

The book presents Anita's story in a way that's relatable for young readers. It’s written as an immersive narrative that's hard to put down! Anita is just five years old when the book begins, and we follow her as she grows. Along the way, she faces immense challenges, including shattered dreams, grief, rejection and abandonment by her father, life in a concentration camp, loss of loved ones, and physical pain. Her testimony is a powerful example of how God protected her through such danger, a theme that runs throughout the book. She is protected under the shadow of God's hand. I especially loved watching how her faith grew as she underwent trials and ultimately came to realize that God would never leave her nor forsake her.

While this book is written for ages 8+, it deals with heavy topics like the Holocaust. It’s definitely not a light read, but it’s an incredibly powerful one.

One note: The gospel message isn't as explicitly clear in this story. The book is more subtle in addressing our sinfulness and the need for Christ’s righteousness. Though sin is briefly mentioned, along with the need for repentance, the gospel isn’t the primary focus. There’s also a reference to “hearing God’s voice” through feelings of being prompted to make certain decisions. While this is subtle, it might need further clarification for children. It’s important to understand that the Holy Spirit does indeed work through us to accomplish God’s purposes, but there’s nuance here. We can see God’s hand at work in how events unfold and realize that, ultimately, they were never in our control.

Overall, this story is incredible. A children’s book is truly special when I, as an adult, find it hard to put down.

* I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of faith in the face of terror and loss. Anita’s story is harrowing, but her faith is encouraging. I have read her full biography, so I knew her story, even so I was glad I read it. She is a role model for any Christian, but especially for any Christian girl who feels the world is against her, or that faces loss or injustice. There could be no greater example of Christ’s sustaining power than the way He supported this young Jewish girl against the Nazi’s worst.
Knowing her story as I did, I could fill in the parts that were censored for young readers. That was done in such a way though that an older reader can understand the full extent of what she faced.
Read it yourself, and give it to every young reader you know.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una historia desgarradora como todas aquellas que utilizan este escenario, mostrando una vez más la capacidad del ser humano para ser cruel, tanto como para mostrar compasión.

A la sombra de su mano, es la historia de Anita Dittman, una de las pocas sobrevivientes que enmedio del caos y horror de la guerra tuvo la oportunidad de reunirse con su madre y posteriormente escapar de Alemania. Sostenida por su inquebrantable fe, vio la mano de Dios en todo lo que pasaba a su al rededor y sostuvo siempre la convicción que ella y su madre estaban resguardadas "a la sombra de Su mano".

[Libby H]

Anita and her Jewish mother and sister are abandoned by their Aryan father because of the punishments that may be unleashed upon him if he associates with Jews during this terrible time of persecution of Jewish people. What's left of the family are forced to struggle through with little to no money. Anita, her sister, and her mother are all placed into a concentration camp and she feels their outcome is by Gods grace.

[Cicily Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anita is my new hero!!! She trusts God throughout her entire journey as a holocaust victim and her faith is something I need in my life. The miracles she sees because of her faith inspired me that I can do anything. I want to be like Anita and trust that no matter what happens in my life, I am always under the shadow of my good Father’s hand. Everyone needs to read this!!! Super easy read, no language, inspiring in many ways.

[Rosalie Sambuco · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE HAND OF GOD

A very interesting & religious story of a young girl (Jewish mother, Aryan father) and her life during 1938 until after WW. II.
Anita was 6 when the story began, hoping to be a ballerina star. Her father puts them out so he can promote himself in the Nazi party. Because of her Christian faith, Anita l survives the war.