Home

History coming alive with true stories

written by children for children.

This Holocaust children's book project started as a dream to preserve stories of Quad Cities area Holocaust survivors - three Jewish women named Esther.

Through this project, a teaching tool has been created for children to learn the true stories of those who survived World War II. It is our goal these story books help young children understand the reality of this period of history and learn about the survivors who lived in our midst.

This writing project is a combination of ordinary students writing and illustrating extraordinary stories for the children of the next generation.

Thus far we have been able print copies of the first six books in this series for 100+ schools in Illinois (in and around Rock Island County where the 3 Esther's lived). The booklets went into schools in Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, Stark, Henderson, Mercer and Warren Counties through the Regional Office of Education in Moline, Illinois. In addition, copies of each book were donated to all libraries in Rock Island County:

A special thank you to grantors making it possible to print first edition booklets for these schools:

Rauch Family Foundation II, Inc., Rock Island, IL

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Springfield, IL

Southern Poverty Law Center, Montgomery, AL

International Student Exchange, Babylon, NY

Deb Bowen

Program Developer / Manager

On January 1, 1990, Illinois became the first state to require that in all public elementary and secondary schools be taught about the Holocaust. "Every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of the Nazi atrocities of 1933-1945. This period in world history is known as the Holocaust, during which six million Jews and millions of non-Jews were exterminated. The studying of this material is a reaffirmation of the commitment of free peoples from all nations to never again permit the occurrence of another Holocaust."

(Source: Excerpt from law)

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

Anne Frank

The project, "A Book By Me", is an excellent method for students to learn about the Holocaust, and, very importantly, to learn the lessons from the Holocaust which are applicable in today's world.  In addition, this project offers the students a valuable way to develop their writing, drawing and other creative skills. I would highly recommend this project to any teacher and school which studies the Holocaust.

Allan G. Ross
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities

A Book by Me children's book series gives an entirely different prospect of history because the books are written from a student's perspective.  History becomes interesting and important for younger children to learn this way. It adds a new element of educational emphasis when written and illustrated by young people.

Ida Kramer
Retired Director,
Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities
Holocaust Expert

I cannot think of anything that could entice young people to become involved in the study of the Holocaust more than to read books about Survivors written and illustrated by their own peers. The fact that the books deal with local Survivors, three remarkable women named Esther, brings children even closer to understanding how the Holocaust touches their own lives.

Dr. Marrietta Castle
Professor Emeritus
Western Illinois University

Chair, Steering Committee
Jeff Leibovitz Special Collection of Holocaust Education Material

Having children write books personalizing the Holocaust is a deeply meaningful and moving way for them to internalize this horrid period in history. No doubt they will "never forget" their book writing experience and the young readers in the classroom will learn much from it as well.

Dr. Art Pitz
Scholar in Residence
St. Ambrose University

Adjunct Professor
Augustana College

Professor Emeritus
Black Hawk College

Fulbright Senior Specialist

Dr. Pitz Blog
www.historybehindthenews.com

The Professor’s House
www.professorshouse.net

As our students listened to Esther Avruch share it was the first time they have heard a survivor story - they came away with these ideas "she succeeded in life - we can too". I especially appreciated her saying "You live in America. You can do anything with your life - you can succeed at anything!"

Barb Milburn
High Roads Advantage
Partners in Job Training Success Network

A BOOK BY ME: Holocaust - We Will Never Forget - Future ...

The next series of grant gifts of our books will be with corresponding curriculum packets for the first three books in the series.

This project will begin in Fall 2009. As more monies are available, more schools will benefit.

Call 309.582.8888 if you have ideas of possible grant funding.

A BOOK BY ME

Holocaust: We Will Never Forget