Published: 2021
Author: Kristin Harmel
Genres: YA Historical Fiction, WWII, Survival
Audience: Grades 9–12, Adult
Number of Stars: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Goodreads Link: The Forest of Vanishing Stars
Content Warnings: Nazi persecution, antisemitism, war-related violence, and themes of kidnapping/isolation.
Publisher’s Summary
Stolen from her wealthy German parents as a child and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of Eastern Europe, Yona finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted when she encounters a group of Jews fleeing Nazi terror.
Stunned by the horrors of the outside world, Yona vows to teach the refugees how to survive in the forest—finding water, foraging for food, and staying hidden. In return, they teach her about human connection and opening her heart after years of isolation. But when a betrayal leads her into a German-occupied village, her past and present collide in a way that could change everything. Inspired by true stories of survival, this is a heart-wrenching tale of resilience against staggering odds.
Full Review
The Forest of Vanishing Stars offers a compelling and distinct perspective on the Holocaust. Set in the dense forests of Eastern Europe, it tells a fascinating story of identity and purpose in a world torn by war. Yona is a unique protagonist; her upbringing in isolation gives her a “wild” edge that makes her journey of self-discovery feel fresh and unpredictable.
Kristin Harmel does an excellent job of balancing the devastating realities of the Holocaust with a narrative that focuses on resilience and humanity. While it doesn’t shy away from the era’s gravity, it draws empathy without being overwhelmingly graphic. The historical details are woven seamlessly into the plot, making it a gripping read from start to finish. Unlike many Holocaust narratives that focus on the camps, this novel explores a “different side” of the war—one of survival in the shadows of the woods. I highly recommend this as both a historical resource and a story of personal transformation.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
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World History (Jewish Partisans & Resistance): This book is an excellent entry point for discussing The Bielski Partisans and other groups who lived in the forest.
Activity Idea: Research the true story of the Bielski Otriad. How does the fictional community in the book compare to the real-life “Jerusalem in the Woods”?
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ELA (The Hero’s Journey): Analyze Yona’s transformation from an isolated “wild child” to a community leader.
Activity Idea: Identify the “Call to Adventure” and the “Refusal of the Call” in Yona’s story. How does her knowledge of nature serve as her “Supernatural Aid”?
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Social Studies (Identity and Heritage): Yona is a German-born woman helping Jewish refugees.
Activity Idea: Discuss the complexities of identity. How does Yona reconcile her German roots with the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime?
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Science (Botany and Foraging): > Activity Idea: Research the flora of Eastern Europe. Have students identify three plants mentioned in the book that were used for food or medicine. Discuss the risks of “misidentification” in survival scenarios.
