By Carlos Haag, FSWC Educator

In Irena’s Children (Young Reader’s Edition), American author, cultural historian and educator Tilar Mazzeo brings to life the story of Irena Sendler (1910–2008), a young Polish social worker who quietly defied the Nazis to save more than 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. This isn’t just a story of heroism — it’s a testament to how ordinary people can make extraordinary choices, even in the darkest times.

Irena and her network of collaborators hid children in ambulances, suitcases, toolboxes and even in underground sewer systems. Once outside the ghetto, the children were placed with non-Jewish families, in convents and in orphanages, where they were given false identities to protect them from Nazi detection. Irena meticulously documented the real names and identities of the children, recording them on slips of paper, which she buried in jars with the hope of reuniting them with their families after the war. Sadly, many of their parents did not survive the Holocaust.

Mazzeo introduces readers to a woman who risked everything without expecting recognition. Irena used everyday items to smuggle children. One of the most striking passages is how Irena trained her dog to bark on command to cover the cries of hidden infants during dangerous inspections. The book doesn’t shy away from the danger: Irena was eventually arrested, tortured, and sentenced to death — only to escape thanks to a bribe from her fellow resistance members.

After the war, Irena lived quietly in Poland, and her story remained largely unknown until later in life, when she was recognized internationally for her courage and humanitarian work. In 1965, she was honoured as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

What sets this book apart is how it doesn’t just focus on Irena. It shares the voices of the children she saved, weaving stories of fear, hope and survival. These personal accounts will resonate with young readers, making the history feel immediate and real. The Young Reader’s Edition also includes educational resources such as a glossary of historical terms, discussion questions and timelines, making it an excellent tool for classroom use.

For educators, Irena’s Children opens the door to discussions about courage, moral choices and the quiet ways people resist injustice. It’s not a sugar-coated tale, but it’s accessible, deeply human and perfect for helping students connect with the complexities of Holocaust history.

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