Hidden Child

While it will not be the last book I find written about this specific topic of Holocaust survival, it is the first for me to review. The author, Issac Millman, relates his experiences in France during the Holocaust. In a unique format which blends narrative with softly drawn mosaic illustrations sprinkled with photographs, the book is powerful in its emotion and child-like honesty. Because both indepth narrative and simple illustrations are used, the books is appropriate for a wide range of readers.

Issac Millman was only seven years old when his country, France, was invaded by Hitler's army. His father was arrested a year later and sent to a internment camp. He and his mother lived alone with the help of neighbors for another year and then attempted to escape to Free France. They were arrested and imprisoned. Except for the assistance of a friendly guard, Issac would have met the same fate as his mother and father who did not return at the end of the war. Issac was taken to a hospital where he pretended to be ill until he could be sent to live with someone safe. As in most life situations, safe was a relative term. Ultimately Issac was protected by a kind and caring Christian woman. After the war, Issac was adopted by a family in the United States.

After almost fifty years of silence, Issac Millman decided to tell his own story. He reminds us of what was lost and what was gained. Most of all, he urges us to remember.

TITLE: Hidden Child
AUTHOR: Issac Millman
COPYRIGHT: 2005
PAGES: 73
TYPE: non-fiction
RECOMMEND: A rare story of a child who was hidden by Christians during the Holocaust.