Hiding Edith

Hiding Edith tells the true story of Edith Schwalb, who escaped Nazi persecution as a Jewish child in World War II. Born in Vienna in 1932, Edith and her family fled Austria as war approached, eventually seeking refuge in France. The book follows Edith's journey through wartime France, including her time at a children's home in Moissac where many Jewish children found sanctuary. Under the protection of dedicated workers at the home, Edith and other children maintained their Jewish identity while keeping their presence secret from Nazi forces. This non-fiction account brings historical documents, photographs, and personal testimonies together to reconstruct Edith's experiences during a critical period of World War II. The narrative traces her path from Vienna through France as she navigates an increasingly dangerous situation for Jewish families. Through Edith's story, the book explores themes of courage, identity, and the power of individuals to protect others in times of crisis. It stands as a testament to the resilience of children and the importance of preserving personal histories from the Holocaust.

Readers consistently note this book's accessibility for young readers while handling difficult Holocaust subject matter. Parents and teachers report it works well as an introduction to Holocaust education for grades 4-7. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Focus on hope and survival rather than graphic details - Inclusion of real photographs and historical context - Engaging for reluctant readers - Length suitable for classroom use What readers disliked: - Some found the narrative oversimplified - A few wanted more details about the historical events - Limited character development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) Scholastic: 4.5/5 (50+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Perfect introduction to the Holocaust for younger students without being too frightening" - Multiple Goodreads reviews Teachers frequently mention using it successfully in Holocaust units, with students staying engaged throughout.

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🔹 Edith Schwalb Gelbard survived the war by living at a children's home in Moissac, France, which was run by the Jewish Scout movement and saved nearly 500 Jewish children during WWII. 🔹 Kathy Kacer has written over 20 books about the Holocaust for young readers, and is herself the daughter of Holocaust survivors who escaped from concentration camps. 🔹 The town of Moissac, where much of the story takes place, was awarded the title "Righteous Among Nations" by Yad Vashem for its residents' collective efforts to protect Jewish refugees. 🔹 The Jewish Scout movement in France, which played a crucial role in this story, operated under the name "Eclaireurs Israélites de France" and helped save thousands of Jewish children during the war. 🔹 The real Edith Schwalb later moved to Canada and frequently speaks to students about her wartime experiences, continuing to share her story of survival and hope with new generations.