Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unforgettable story of a teen heroine of the Holocaust.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a powerful, emotional read that effectively portrays the harsh realities of the Holocaust, combining a well-researched narrative with intense, mature themes. However, many reviewers caution that it contains graphic content, mature language, and discussions of sexuality that may not be suitable for younger readers, making it best suited for older teens.
- powerful narrative
- intense themes
- graphic content
- mature language
- suitable for older teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Before she became THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ , Dita Kraus lived a comfortable life with her parents in Prague. Now, in 1944, she and her parents are in a special section of Auschwitz called the Family Camp. In Block 31 of the camp, a secret school for children has been established. As books are forbidden, the school must rely on eight books that have been smuggled into the camp: a geometry textbook, H.G. Wells' Short History of the World, a Russian grammar, a novel written in Russian, The Count of Monte Cristo, Freud's New Paths to Psychoanalytic Thought, and Dita's favorite, The Adventures of the Good Soldier Svejk. Under the watchful eye of the leader of Block 31, Fredy Hirsch, it's Dita's job to keep the books safe, storing them each night in a secret compartment. Secrets and unanswered questions are at the heart of the novel. What is Fredy hiding, and could he possibly be a traitor? Can Renee trust the SS guard who promises her freedom? Why is Dr. Mengele so interested in Dita? As for what becomes of families once they are rounded up and taken from the Family Camp, that's not a secret. An epilogue let's readers know how Dita's life unfolded after she was liberated from Bergen-Belsen.
Is It Any Good?
This is a haunting, heartbreaking, and unforgettable Holocaust story -- a powerful testament to the courage of a teen girl who risked her life to preserve eight forbidden books. Even teens who don't love reading or share Dita's passion for books are sure to be caught up in a gripping storyline that features secret meetings, a possible traitor, daring escapes, and even romance.
Fact and fiction are blended so seamlessly in The Librarian of Auschwitz that some readers may have difficulty recognizing which characters are real and which are fictional. To make sure readers can identify the real-life characters in the novel, there's a "What Happened To …" section at the back of the book. It reveals the fate of both Nazis (Dr. Mengele, Adolf Eichmann, and camp Kommandant Rudolf Hoss) and prisoners (Dita's best friend, Margit Barnai, and Resistance leader David Schmulewski). A postscript discusses the controversy surrounding the mysterious death of Fredy Hirsch. Whether teens have read widely about the Holocaust or are just beginning to learn about this period in history, the story of Dita Kraus is a must read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong bonds between parents and children that are part of The Librarian of Auschwitz. Can you imagine you and your family going through what Dita and her parents experienced?
What other books or movies about the Holocaust have you read or watched? Why is it important to remember and learn about this period in history?
Dita risked her life to protect eight books. Do you think that was heroic or reckless?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : October 10, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 423
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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