The Librarian of Auschwitz

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

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Introduction

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During Reading

After Reading

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

The Librarian of Auschwitz

Genre: Fiction; young adult historical
Originally Published: 2012 (in Spanish), 2017 (English translation)
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 940L; grades 9-12; college/adult
Structure/Length: 32 chapters; approximately 425 pages; approximately 13 hours, 39 minutes on audio
Protagonist/Central Conflict: The protagonist is Dita Kraus, a 14-year-old girl in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp who takes charge of the few books smuggled in and becomes the “librarian.” The central conflict revolves around Dita's struggle to maintain hope and a semblance of normalcy through books amidst the horrific conditions of the camp.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Graphic descriptions of the Holocaust; violence; death; themes of genocide and racism; profanity; sexual content

Antonio Iturbe, Author

Bio: Spanish author and journalist; his work often explores stories related to the Holocaust; based The Librarian of Auschwitz, originally published in Spanish, on the real-life experiences of Holocaust survivor Dita Kraus
Other Works: Días de Sal (1996); Rectos Torcidos (2005); A Cielo Abierto (2017)
Awards: Prix Jan Michalski Nominee (2019); Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee (2020)

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CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

The Power of Books to Give Life Meaning
Love Is Stronger Than War
In War, Nothing Is as It Seems

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

Develop an understanding of the social and historical contexts that impact the central conflict of Dita, Fredy, and others including the setting of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during the Holocaust.