The Librarian of Auschwitz: The Graphic Novel
Compelling tale of book-loving girl's courage, survival.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Librarian of Auschwitz: The Graphic Novel is Salva Rubio's adaptation of Antonio Iturbe's young adult novel of the same name. Based on the real-life experiences of Dita Kraus, it's a heart-breaking but ultimately hopeful tale of survival in German-occupied Poland during World War II. Sensitive readers may be disturbed by near-constant talk of death and dying. Disturbing images of naked inmates and corpses. One mention of "tits." Hints of a romance at the end.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
As THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ opens, 14-year-old Dita finds herself taken from the Terezin ghetto in Prague with her mother and father and sent to a concentration camp. Jewish leader Fredy Hirsch recruits her to take responsibility of eight precious volumes that have been smuggled past the guards. Discovery means death, and Dita attracts the attention of "The Angel of Death" Joseph Mengele, the real-life German SS officer who performed terrible experiments on victims in the concentration camps and sent victims to their death on the gas chambers.
Is It Any Good?
The Holocaust is a sensitive subject, and this graphic novel addresses it with candor and compassion. Throughout The Librarian of Auschwitz: The Graphic Novel, Dita displays great acts of bravery that few today can imagine. The fact that it's based on a true story gives it extra power. The detailed but sensitive artwork by Loreto Aroca is always clear in its intentions, and the adaptation by Salva Rubio is smart and compelling. Worried readers can know that that the young heroine does survive.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Librarian of Auschwitz uses the comics medium to tell its story. How might the storytelling change in another medium?
Why were books so important to the Jewish prisoners in the concentration camp? Why were they forbidden by their Nazi captors?
How does Dita show courage and perseverance and the ability to work as part of a team? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author: Antonio Iturbe
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Humility, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Godwin Books
- Publication date: January 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 144
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 1, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Boy, Everywhere
Syrian boy flees home, endures as a refugee.
-
The Book Thief
Powerful, moving tale of book-loving girl in Nazi Germany.
-
The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees
Compassionate graphic novel account of refugees' struggle.
-
The Librarian of Auschwitz
Unforgettable story of a teen heroine of the Holocaust.
For kids who love holocaust stories and graphic novels that teach history
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate