Salva Rubio

First sentence: Back then, she was just a child...but books were already a window.

My thoughts, part one: This one is a [young adult] graphic novel adaptation of an award-winning novel. I have read both the original novel and the graphic novel.

Premise/plot: Though it is a work of fiction, The Librarian of Auschwitz is based on a true story: the story of a super-small library and its young librarian, Dita. Block 31 is different, special, almost miraculous and too good to be true. Here Jewish children come together every day while their parents labor under the watchful eyes of their guards. School is forbidden; learning is forbidden. But. A school it is. There are teachers and teenage helpers. Dita is one of the helpers or assistants. She's also the librarian. For what is a school without a library? This library collection, like the school, is completely forbidden. It consists of EIGHT books plus additional living books. Dita's job is risky, but important. Block 31 exists for one reason only: to fool the world in case someone comes looking for answers. The Germans mistreat Jews? You've got to be kidding. Just look! Here's a camp of families. We even see that the children are taken care of during the day and laugh and play and sing. The prisoners are not fooled for a minute, but, the children are fortunate in some ways.

My thoughts, part two: THE graphic novel condenses the story considerably. The illustrations may add something to the story for some readers. Graphic novels aren't exactly my favorite and best. I read a few per year. I can find them incredibly engaging at times.

Having read both the graphic novel and the original novel it is based on, I prefer the original. But I can appreciate why this one was adapted to a new format to potentially reach different readers.… (mehr)

Reading this book was the first I'd learned of the very real people that inspired it. I love when I read a story that prompts me to go searching for more information. I love Dita's passion for books. Reading is so versatile. It's educational, motivational, and for some, a great method of escape from the harsh realities we face everyday. This book grants us a glimpse into the challenge and the threat of death they faced during WWII for reading. I think this is a great read, especially during a time of heightened booked bans and the importance of intellectual freedom.… (mehr)

As someone who has yet to read "The Librarian of Auschwitz," I will say that this book is beautiful. It's raw and rough and inspiring. All of the things that are to be expected from a story set in Auschwitz/ The Holocaust. It's heavy in a "sad this is a part of history but important to acknowledge and never forget."

However, I need to be honest in my review and it is that I do not understand Kirkus Reviews, the publisher, and other places classifying this as a book for ages 8-12. The source material, the full length novel, is either in teen or adult collections. This book has depictions of historically accurate nudity (boobs and pubes) and a homosexual kiss (also was a thing that did occur and was hidden by the Nazis for fear of.....all the things).

It is my personal belief that this book would have greater impact and respect in teen collections. The way my current state is with books, this will be on "Request for Reconsideration" forms due to the nudity. I'd be called a child groomer....don't ask. It's a thing. Additionally, the Holocaust is also not taught until the middle and high school levels. While I know we want to (and NEED to) talk about this to younger grades, I feel this book aims too high.

Seriously though, recommend it and pick it up for the older readers. It has a great appendix section giving background to things like Auschwitz, Mendel, and Camp BIIB. Made me want to read the "actual" book!… (mehr)