By Grace Wilkinson (FSWC Educator)

Daniel’s Story written by Carol Matas chronicles of the life of Daniel, a German-Jewish boy, from 1933 to 1945. The book is split into four parts, Pictures of Frankfurt, Pictures of Lodz, Pictures of Auschwitz and Pictures of Buchenwald. Each section starts with Daniel looking at photos he has taken, as he remembers normal events such as birthdays, arguments with teachers and bar mitzvahs, but also the oppression, deportation and murder that millions of Jews across Europe suffered, as he explains what happened to him, his family and friends. While Daniel is a fictional character, his story mirrors that of the millions of Jewish children who lived under the Nazi regime.

The book does not attempt to soften the reality of life for Jews in Europe but tactfully addresses persecution, deportation, the ghettos, the camps and death. It facilitates learning and discussions about prejudice and persecution, while Daniel himself, as a composite of millions of children who endured the Holocaust, ensures that readers understand the confusion, anger and eventually hope that these children experienced. The content can be heavy at times and would be best suited for Grades 7-9 and as an accompaniment to previous or ongoing studies about the Holocaust, rather than as an introduction to the topic.

The book includes a chronology, glossary and maps to help with context. A video adaptation and permanent exhibition at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum could also be used alongside the book to enhance learning. Daniel’s Story offers a powerful, accessible insight into how quickly life changed ominously, usually tragically, for the worse for millions of Jewish children in Europe.

Video: Daniel’s Story: A Boy’s Life During the Holocaust

Exhibition: Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story - United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

‍