According to a recent study commissioned by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) and reported by The Guardian, nearly 25% of young adults in America either believe the Holocaust is a myth, think it has been exaggerated, or are not sure. These findings are particularly alarming given that the number of living survivors—the most compelling evidence of the Holocaust—is quickly diminishing.
The titles in this collection include memoirs, historical fiction, psychological explorations, and graphic novels that chronicle the memories and personal experiences of Holocaust and Global Genocide victims and survivors. The collection provides a variety of genres to ensure broad appeal for today’s middle and high school students. Teachers can choose to select individual or multiple texts depending on reading level, thematic consideration, or instructional goals.
Essential questions are provided to frame the study of these complex texts, and conversation starters serve as prompts for close reading and collaborative discussion. Activities apply to all titles and can be adapted to whole class or small group settings such as seminars or literature circles. Student readers will be compelled to face history, confront truths, consider their own stories, and define their future roles in a society very much in danger of forgetting or repeating history.
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