Published: 2018
Series: N/A
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Historical, World War II, Fiction, Holocaust, War
Audience (Grade Levels): 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 (Upper Middle Grade / YA)
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Goodreads Link: Resistance
Triggers: Frank discussion of the imprisonment, torture, and murder of Jewish people; war violence; gruesome and heartbreaking scenes
Review By: Jenna Ballard
Publisher’s Summary:
Chaya Lindner is a teenager living in Nazi-occupied Poland. Simply being Jewish places her in danger of being killed or sent to the camps. After her little sister is taken away, her younger brother disappears, and her parents all but give up hope, Chaya is determined to make a difference. Using forged papers and her fair features, Chaya becomes a courier and travels between the Jewish ghettos of Poland, smuggling food, papers, and even people.
Soon Chaya joins a resistance cell that runs raids on the Nazis’ supplies. But after a mission goes terribly wrong, Chaya’s network shatters. She is alone and unsure of where to go, until Esther, a member of her cell, finds her and delivers a message that chills Chaya to her core, and sends her on a journey toward an even larger uprising in the works — in the Warsaw Ghetto. Though the Jewish resistance never had much of a chance against the Nazis, they were determined to save as many lives as possible, and to live — or die — with honor.
Review:
This book was fantastic. In general, I feel like the historical fiction market is too flooded with World War II-era stories (there’s so much other history to write about, people!); however, I have never read a novel focused on a teenage courier working with the Jewish resistance. While this story is fiction, the premise is based on many real people and events that took place in Polish ghettos during World War World II—many of which are expanded upon in an author’s note at the end. Nielsen clearly did an incredible amount of research for this book, and her respect for the resistance fighters from history shines through in her writing.
I was impressed with how well Nielsen blends a fast-paced, tension-filled plot with the heartbreaking reality of life in the Jewish ghettos. As can be expected of a book about WWII and the Holocaust, there is war violence and some gruesome and heartbreaking scenes. I plan to recommend this book to historical fiction lovers at my middle school library; however, I will be sure to gently caution them (especially the younger students) that the book can be very upsetting and perhaps they may want to wait until they are older if they don’t feel they are quite ready for it. I personally feel that 7th grade and higher is likely the best audience, but I’m sure there are mature 6th graders who could handle it as well. If you have Alan Gratz fans, give them this book next!
The narrative voice is gripping, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while simultaneously teaching a crucial aspect of history that isn’t always highlighted in standard curricula. Chaya’s journey of resilience, bravery, and absolute defiance provides an exceptional model of courage under the most harrowing circumstances imaginable. It is an unforgettable addition to school libraries.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social Studies / History: This text perfectly aligns with middle and high school units covering World War II, the Holocaust, and European resistance movements. The included author’s note provides an excellent bridge to transition students from historical fiction to primary sources and real-world historical figures.
- English Language Arts (ELA): Ideal for exploring literary elements such as building suspense, pacing, and character development in the face of conflict. Teachers can utilize Chaya’s perspective to analyze the archetype of the reluctant hero and the structural choices of survival literature.
- Extension Activity / Library Application: This title is an excellent selection for an independent reading program, a middle school literature circle, or a historical fiction book club. Librarians can pair this book with a map-mapping activity tracking the geographic distances Chaya travels between Polish ghettos, allowing students to visualize the extreme dangers couriers faced. It also makes a powerful companion piece for a display during Holocaust Remembrance Week.
- Diversity & Representation Note: Resistance offers deeply meaningful representation of Jewish agency and active resistance during the Holocaust, actively countering the narrative that victims were entirely passive. By highlighting the distinct cultural and religious identities targeted by Nazi Germany, and focusing heavily on the courage of young women and teenagers in the underground movement, the book provides a vital perspective on survival, identity, and standing up against oppression.
Readalikes:
- Stolen Girl by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
- Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz
- Allies by Alan Gratz
