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CIST Student Sandbox

IST 605: An Introduction to the Holocaust

Anne Frank in the World 1929-1945

Anne Frank in the World 1929-1945 tells the story of Anne Frank and details the historical events that happened during her life. Read about how Anne and her family hid from the Nazi's for years only to be discovered. Use the insight from this book to teach your students that hate and power are very real things in this world and we need to do what we can to make sure these events are never repeated. You can borrow this book from the internet archive for free. 

Anne Frank House. (2001). Anne Frank in the World. Knopf Books for Young Readers. 

Night by Elie Wiesel

This book was first published in Yiddish by Elie Wiesel in 1956. It took many years to be translated and finally found as acceptable to publish for the world. Elie describes the harrowing events he witnessed and lived through during his time in the concentration camps with his family. This autobiography will give the reader insider knowledge and they will feel the devastation and loss of hope like they were a part of it. 

Wiesel, E., & Wiesel, M. (Translator). (2006). Night. Hill and Wang. 

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The Diary of a Young Girl

This is a recounting of everything Anne Frank wrote in her diary during the two years she was in hiding with her family when the Nazi's took over Holland. Immerse your students in the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs held by a young teenager who was always afraid that she could be discovered. Students will understand what it means to be truly afraid and to not take anything for granted. This book can be accessed on the internet archive for free. 

Frank A., & Frank, O. (Editor). (1997). The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition. Turtleback Books. 

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto

This is a true story of a woman names Irena Sendler who risked her life many times to help free children from the Ghetto's during Hitler's reign. It tells of her work in the 'underground' where she and a group of others were able to smuggle children out through the sewer, in coffins, and a tool bx. Irena's story was never told until the 1980's when the children she saved came forward to describe how she saved them from their ultimate deaths. This is an easy read for middle grade students to give perspective on the impact some generous people had on many lives. This book can be rented from the internet archive at no cost. 

Rubin, S.G. (2011). Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto. Holiday House.