Hiding Edith: A True Story by Canadian author Kathy Kacer is based on interviews with Holocaust survivor Edith Schwalb. I would recommend this book to any young reader  who would like to learn about the Holocaust or to any teacher who would like to teach their students about compassion. The book shares the history of the Holocaust and the experiences of a young Jewish child growing up during a horrific time in history. Forced to flee Vienna, Austria when the Nazi’s take control of the country, Edith and her family escape to France. However, Edith’s father is eventually arrested. To ensure the safety of her remaining family, Edith’s mother must make the difficult decision to send her two youngest children to a secret school run by a Jewish couple in Moissac, France. Edith’s secret, along with over one hundred other Jewish children in hiding is bravely kept by the towns people who would be punished if anyone found out they were aiding Jews.

The book is written for young readers and presents themes of resilience and compassion. Despite her separation from her loved ones, and constant fears of arrest, Edith must find strength to keep going, highlighting how you can experience difficult times, but come out on the other side. My favorite part of the book is that it provides glimpses of hope for humanity as there are people willing to risk their lives to do the right thing. This message shows young students the importance of doing what is right despite the repercussions.