Why reading about the Holocaust is so important

I’ve been reading books about the Holocaust and World War Two ever since I can remember. I vividly recall walking into my house one day and sobbing to my mom about the book we were reading. She reminded me that it was our duty to read about it the tough things and ensure they never happen again. So, I continued reading about World War Two and the Holocaust, and have my list of favorites that tear my heart out but are an important list to read.

Today, I am writing this blog because recently, a school administrator in Texas, argued and advised that teachers should have their students read books that educated them on both sides of the Holocaust. You can watch the video here if you can bear it.

NEW: A school administrator in Southlake, Texas, advised teachers last week that if they have a book about the Holocaust in their classroom, they should also have a book with an "opposing" perspective. Listen to the audio recording obtained by @NBCNews: https://t.co/vS0IjlROMu pic.twitter.com/yPtM1ncjgV — NBC News (@NBCNews) October 14, 2021

This comment cut to my core. Books are beautiful power that serve to educate their audience, having students read books from the “opposing” perspective, would likely include reading books like Mein Kampf, and more. These books will likely only push the Nazi narrative and hatred in schools. Even in my middle school, years ago, we struggled with students drawing swastikas, and verbally assaulting Jewish students after learning about the holocaust in history class, I can’t even imagine wanting to have students read things like that.

With that being said, here is the list of my favorite books surrounding World War Two and the Holocaust, that serve to raise awareness and tell the unheard stories of those who suffered.

1. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

The Cover of Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

This is the book I’ve read most recently, having read it for the first time this summer. I completely fell in love with it. It beautifully illustrates four different people’s experience during World War Two, from a young Lithuanian nurse, a polish girl, a prussian solider, and a narcissistic nazi. The book is stunning, and will have you laughing, crying, and recognizing the pure good of people, right along with the pure evil of people. The book is perfect in every way, and the perfect book to read to educate yourself on the events of the war, away from the concentration camps.

You can purchase your own copy here.

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2. The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe, translated by Lilit Thwaites

The cover of The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonia Iturbe

This book is another one of my favorites that I read for the first time in high school. The story is the heartbreaking and inspiring true story of Auschwitz prisoner, Dita Kraus, who worked to keep a library/school alive during her time at Auschwitz, even though she could be killed if she get’s caught. This is the perfect book to read to focus not only on the terrifying nature of the concentration camps, but also the innate good of people, who did everything they could. Even thinking about this book makes me cry, it is absolutely stunning.

You can purchase a copy of your own here.

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3. Night by Elie Wiesel

The cover of Night by Elie Wiesel

This was one of the books I read during my freshman year of high school. I remember when we were first handed the books, my teacher read a short synopsis of the book, and encouraged us to reach out if we had any questions. Night follows the true story of Elie Wiesel, and his terrifying experience in the concentration camps. This book strongly reminds us the horrific nature of the events that happened during the holocaust and the importance of never allowing those events to repeat themselves.

You can purchase a copy of your own here.

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So take a glance at each of these books, and purchase one of them the next time you head to the bookstore. Remember, the holocaust and the events of WW2, were awful and terrifying. But, it is our duty as humans and as the next generation of people to continue to educate ourselves on the events, while also not providing students with the tools to repeat it.