Hidden Child
on Goodreads (100)
What’s inside...
The author details his difficult experiences as a young Jewish child living in Nazi-occupied France during the 1940s. Isaac was seven years old when the Germans invaded France and his life was forever altered. Initially, his father was taken away, and two years later, Isaac and his mother were arrested. In a desperate bid to save Isaac, his mother bribed a guard to take him to a nearby hospital, where he and other children pretended to be sick with the aid from the medical staff. This, however, was only a temporary refuge. As Isaac moved from city to countryside, experiencing both the kindness and cruelty of strangers, he had to abandon his Jewish identity and take on a new name, Jean Devolder. Despite everything, he never forgot his true identity and clung to the hope of reuniting with his parents after the war. More than fifty years later, Isaac Millman shares his poignant story of survival, loss, and hope through concise prose, vivid composite paintings, and family photos that survived the war.
Age
10-15
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Isaac Millman
Discussion points
How do you think Esther felt when she had to hide her identity?
Why do you think it was important for Esther to remember her past, even though it was painful?
What does courage mean to you after reading about Esther’s story?
How can we help others who might feel alone or scared like Esther did?
What did you learn about history and resilience from Esther’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book to demonstrate open communication.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Esther's journey, validating their emotions as part of the conversation.
Ask your child to draw parallels between Esther’s experiences and their own life, fostering empathy and understanding.
Use historical context provided in the book to help your child understand the world Esther lived in, enhancing their learning experience.
Praise your child's insights and responses to show that their opinions are valued and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, through his experiences during the Holocaust, demonstrates incredible resilience and the will to survive despite overwhelming odds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face challenging circumstances in their own lives with determination and strength, understanding that they can overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of history and memory
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of remembering historical events like the Holocaust to honor those who suffered and to ensure such atrocities are not repeated.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to learn about and respect history, fostering a sense of responsibility to carry forward the memories and lessons of the past.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As readers follow the journey of the hidden child, they gain insights into the emotional and physical struggles faced by individuals during the Holocaust.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop deeper empathy for others who are different from them or who are going through difficult times, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate outlook.
Example Lesson: Courage to make difficult decisions
Explanation: The characters in the book often have to make tough choices for survival or moral reasons, showing bravery in dire situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of courage and standing up for what is right, even when it is not easy.
Example Lesson: The power of hope
Explanation: Despite the darkness surrounding the protagonist's circumstances, the theme of hope runs throughout the narrative, providing a light in the darkest times.
Real-World Application: Children learn that maintaining hope can be crucial in overcoming life’s challenges and that a positive outlook can lead to positive outcomes.