Scan barcode
jodiswildgarden's review
5.0
This is an appropriately sad book about World War II from a young German girls perspective. I read it with the book, The Harmonica, about a Jewish boy imprisoned in a concentration camp. War and Human Rights atrocities are difficult subjects to tackle, but I have found that children are more concerned and more ready to talk about these difficult subjects than adults realize. I would use these as read a loud books for children in 4th through 6th grade who are studying World War II or who might be talking about current events in Ukraine or Gaza. They would offer additional perspectives to children reading The Diary of Ann Frank or The Summer of My German Soldier, in the concise format of a picture book but with the emotional and historical context of a more mature child. As a National Park Ranger, I gave tours to all ages at a civil rights national historic site for many years. Children are aware of and concerned about human rights and social justice issues much earlier than I think many parents expect. I think this pairing of stories help show the different perspectives of children caught up in atrocities they had no role in creating but are deeply impacted by.
jennyschuth's review
5.0
Rose Blanche was a beautifully written story about war and hate through the eyes of a child. It takes place in Nazi Germany when all the children are getting thinner and soldiers are everywhere. Rose simply goes about her life until she comes across a concentration camp and see the children behind the barbed wire fence. She does what is only natural for a child and helps them for as long as she can. While Rose is staring at a clearing that used to be home to the kids behind the barbed wire, soldiers blinded by hate shoot her thinking she is an enemy.
This book is beautifully written. I loved the illustrations as well, they were quiet and soft and seemed to represent the innocence of young Rose Blanche. For kids to learn about such horrific events through the eyes of someone their age makes it easier to understand. I feel that when this book is read to a child they will have a lot of questions and then the teacher/parent can explain further the events of the Holocaust. Which I think is the best way for kids to learn about such terrible events. This book is also a wonderful example of how hate can blind someone. The soldiers shot and killed a young girl that was full of life and kindness because all they saw was an enemy. I think that any child would feel the heart break of this situation and it presents a perfect opportunity to talk about hate and clouded judgement and a number of different things along those lines.
This book is beautifully written. I loved the illustrations as well, they were quiet and soft and seemed to represent the innocence of young Rose Blanche. For kids to learn about such horrific events through the eyes of someone their age makes it easier to understand. I feel that when this book is read to a child they will have a lot of questions and then the teacher/parent can explain further the events of the Holocaust. Which I think is the best way for kids to learn about such terrible events. This book is also a wonderful example of how hate can blind someone. The soldiers shot and killed a young girl that was full of life and kindness because all they saw was an enemy. I think that any child would feel the heart break of this situation and it presents a perfect opportunity to talk about hate and clouded judgement and a number of different things along those lines.
clairebonello's review
2.0
Felt a little simplistic, and not in a good way. The language seemed to try to be suitable for a very young audience, but it didn't quite sit well with me.
librarybonanza's review
2.0
Age: 4th-5th grade
Rose Blanche's curiosity carries her to a concentration camp nearby her house where she proceeds to deliver food to the starving victims. When the allies arrive, she is accidentally shot and killed.
While the perspective of war is surely a kid's, the unidentified death of Rose must be inferred by an older audience.
Rose Blanche's curiosity carries her to a concentration camp nearby her house where she proceeds to deliver food to the starving victims. When the allies arrive, she is accidentally shot and killed.
While the perspective of war is surely a kid's, the unidentified death of Rose must be inferred by an older audience.
emmac2198's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
pamelaaugust's review
4.0
Wow! A gut punch of a book. I read this for Banned Book week. I understand why people wanted it banned. It is a picture book for young children and is about the Holocaust. Heavy stuff. However, I think it could be a good way to introduce mature young children to the atrocities of WW II and the Nazi regime. It was thought provoking for sure.
shgmclicious's review
This American translation tells a really spare and moving story--maybe hand this to people who would otherwise pick up some drivel like The Boy in the Blue Pajamas. One thing I don't like is how the POV abruptly shifts from first person to third, and I wish I had an Italian edition so I could compare. But I really do love that this story shows a righteous Gentile doing good without being a do-gooder, and the book isn't feel-good, even though Rose Blanche is a good person, if that all makes sense. It's reserved but not so vague that you have no idea what's going on.
mlhahn's review
5.0
So much to see in the detailed pictures. So much to talk about. Powerful. Note the endpapers -- red and white -- rose and blanche.
msrosereads's review
5.0
A powerful book about a young girl in WWII Germany who discovers a concentration camp and pays the ultimate price for simply doing what she knew was right.
ezzaaa's review
5.0
Wow. This book is such a raw and emotional read. I think the perspective this book is from (A German Child) is quite rare, from the books I've read. The only one remotely similar I'd say is 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'. I thought the shift from the start of life in Nazi Germany compared to the end, was huge. There is so much to discuss with this book and it's definitely suitable for UKS2 (Y6). I thought it was a very well written text to convey what the life of a German child could've been like in that time period.