This young reader’s edition chronicles the true story of Irena Sendler, who, as the sole social worker given permission to enter the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942, smuggled Jewish children out to safety, often hiding them in coffins. She kept copious records of those she smuggled out in the hopes that they would be reunited with their families after the war.

I didn't at first notice that I had picked up the children's version from the thrift store. It's one I'll keep, but I'm not sure I'd want to read the full version.
The descriptions were sad enough, but the pictures. They are worth a thousand words.
Can I be that brave if it comes down to it? ( )

This story of Irene Sendler depicts the courage she had as she saves over 2,500 Jewish children by smuggling them out of the walled Jewish ghetto. She also convinced her friends and the underground network to his these kids for her in hopes of a better future for the children. ( )

Irena's Children tells the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish woman who saved the lives of 2,500 children during the Holocaust. The story recounts how Irena started doing small things to help Jews, but ended up creating a network of people that helped save Jewish children by finding them homes with non-Jewish families. The story is very suspenseful and shows the courage many people used to help others survive WWII and the Holocaust.

IRENA’S CHILDREN by Tilar J. Mazzeo is a young reader’s edition of a true story about life in the Warsaw Ghetto in World War II.

A young Polish public health worker named Irena Sendler smuggled thousands of children out of the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw. Children snuck through sewers, hid in coffins, and were concealed under overcoats in daring attempts to escape death.

Librarians will find this story of survival during the Holocaust an appealing alternative to standard Holocaust offerings. The focus on a heroic female will draw the interest of girls.

The author’s website contains information and videos about Irena Sendler. Go to http://www.tilar-mazzeo-author.com/learn-more

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )