"I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear; my courage is reborn." - Anne Frank

Literature can be a powerful tool for teaching students about the Holocaust. Vivid imagery and the intimacy of historical events described by relatable characters offer an engaging framework for the reader. However, how do teachers ensure that students gain a proper context and accurate understanding of the complexity of the history when using literature?

We've been exploring a range of popular titles and offer instructional strategies and recommendations to support your teaching this year.

"Heroes of the Holocaust?"

"Reading a personal, emotional story-albeit sad-can often resonate with people of all ages..."

In her new blog, Richelle Budd Caplan looks at Holocaust-related books by Allan Zullo and Mara Bovsun that resonate with young readers. As titles that might inspire courage and heroism, Caplan discusses the "gray zones of human behavior" and aligns Echoes and Reflections resources with strategies for teachers to encourage critical thinking.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne

After talking with teachers for many years about using this text in the classroom, Project Director Deborah Batiste offers cautions about The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and invites discussion about using fiction to teach about the Holocaust.

The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank

Educators Carol Martin and Sarah Brown discuss their classroom experiences teaching about Anne Frank. They share their approaches to enhancing student understanding.

Night - Elie Wiesel

Teaching about Elie Wiesel's Night?

Shanie Lourie and Deborah Batiste discuss best practices and key considerations when teaching students about Elie Wiesel, his experiences, and his writing.

Develop your skills to teach about the Holocaust through the lens of Night at one of these upcoming introductory programs.

Number the Stars - Lois Lowry

Richelle Budd Caplan shares strategies for teaching Number the Stars to younger students as an introduction to learning about the Holocaust.

Teacher Conversations: In My Classroom

Follow teachers as they share their classroom-tested experiences about teaching the Holocaust using literature and more on this newly designed page on the Echoes and Reflections website.

Professional Development - Fall 2016

Online and in-person professional development program registration is open!

Already using Echoes and Reflections? Attend an Enhanced Learning Opportunity.

Do you use another book with your students?

Join the conversation and share your unique experiences teaching about the Holocaust using literature in your classroom.