Grande peur sous les étoiles

By Jo Hoestlandt

Book Overview

In a sensitive and poignant portrayal of the events of the Holocaust, Star of Fear, Star of Hope introduces children to this difficult, but important topic.

Stars at morning, better take warning.
Stars at night, hope is in sight.

Helen recalls her childhood during the Nazi occupation of France and the mounting persecution of the Jewish people.

On the eve of her birthday, Helen is excited to celebrate with her best friend Lydia. But when a fearful woman appears at Helen's house, Lydia suddenly wants to go home early, and Helen can't understand why. Does it have to do with the yellow star that both Lydia and this woman are wearing? Why are people in hiding and using strange names? What is Lydia afraid of?

Set during the World War II Nazi occupation of France, this is a powerful story of friendship, fear, and the hope we must always hold dear.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802775888
• ISBN13: 9780802775887
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 11.3" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 7 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 5

Customer Reviews

Good introduction to the Holocaust for young children

I can't think of a time in my life when I *didn't* know about the Holocaust. There must have been such a time, nobody takes their three year old kid and one day decides to tell them of horrific things, but I can't recall it. My nieces are 5 and 2.5, and the older one is right about the time when she should be learning about serious subjects. This is, I think, a good introduction to what is a very serious subject indeed. The reality of the Holocaust isn't diluted, but it's told at a level that's appropriate for small children - losing a friend and lifelong regret, and you know she didn't survive, but that's not spelled out. Whenever you decide it's appropriate to start talking to your kids about this sort of subject, consider this book.

Wonderful Teaching Tool to discuss the Holocaust

Each year I do a thematic unit on the Holocaust and this is one of the picture books that I use with my sixth grade students. They enjoy the story and the pictures portray the writer's feelings were very.

Holocaust picture book

An elderly lady retells events from her childhood. She describes her confusion and fear when her best friend has to wear a yellow star, her sadness when her friend mysteriously disappears one night and her enduring hope of finding her again. Great introduction for learning about the Jews under Nazi Germany. Reading level is third grade but good as a read aloud to younger children. Very moving.