Facing the Past: A Public Memorial Compels a Small German Town to Confront Its History (The Legacy of the Holocaust) - Softcover

Schumer Chapman, Fern

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798987259764

Publisher: Gussie Rose Press, 2023

Synopsis

Who will remember the victims?

Eighty-nine-year-old Holocaust survivor Edith Westerfeld was just a young girl when she escaped the Nazi terror that claimed her family. Seventy-six years later, she returns to her small German hometown to witness the unveiling of the Stolpersteine—memorial stones laid to honor her lost loved ones.

Through historical photographs, primary documents, and powerful narrative non-fiction, Facing the Past brings history to life as Edith confronts the past and discovers the profound weight of two simple words: "I'm sorry."

A Powerful Tool for Holocaust Education

�� Perfect for classroom discussions, middle school history lessons, and Holocaust education programs.
�� Encourages critical thinking on moral responsibility, citizenship, and remembrance.
�� For students learning about historical atonement and its modern impact.

Ideal for:

✅ Middle-grade readers learning about the Holocaust and World War II
✅ Teachers & librarians seeking Holocaust education resources for students
✅ Parents who want to help kids understand the importance of history and remembrance

For readers of Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust and We Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and Resistance.

About this title

About the Author

Chicago-based author Fern Schumer Chapman has written several award-winning books. Viking/Penguin released her most recent work, BROTHERS, SISTERS, STRANGERS: Sibling Estrangement and the Road to Reconciliation, in 2021. She writes a blog for psychologytoday.com, and some of her posts are compiled in her latest work, THE SIBLING ESTRANGEMENT JOURNAL: A Guided Exploration of Your Experiences through Writing. Her memoir, MOTHERLAND, is a popular choice for book clubs, and IS IT NIGHT OR DAY?, MIDDLE SCHOOL SLEUTHS, and FACING THE PAST are read in many middle and high school classes. Twice, Oprah shows have featured her work.

From the Inside Flap

"Who Will Remember?"

Eighty-nine-year-old Holocaust survivor Edith Wesgterfeld escaped the Nazi terror that claimed her family. Returning 76 years later to her small ancestral town, she witnesses the unveiling of the Stolpersteine, memorial stones to remember the victims.

Through photographs, historical documents, and text, Facing the Past captures how some are confronting and atoning for Germany's national crimes. At the same time, Edith discovers the transformative power of two words: "I'm sorry."

This second book in the Legacy of the Holocaust series is ideal for middle-shool discussions on moral guidance, citizenship, and historical responsibility. The book cultivates empathy and reminds readers that the act of remembering is the most powerful memorial of all.


keywords:: inspiring true stories for middle grade classrooms;nonfiction books about the Holocaust illustrated;historical nonfiction middle grade class project;teacher books about the Holocaust;children's books Holocaust for ages 10-17;history Holocaust Stolpersteine stumbling stones;national crimes atonement apologizing memorial

Edition details

• Publisher: Gussie Rose Press
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798987259764
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 50