Fairytales & Family Secrets

If you're a parent or a teacher, the name "Jane Yolen" probably brings to mind the author's prodigous body of children's literature and picture books. But Yolen has written a few novels for adults too, among them the haunting story of Briar Rose. Inspired by the Chelmno concentration camp, which was housed inside of a castle, Yolen crafts her story of the Holocaust around the fairytale of "The Sleeping Beauty." After the death of her beloved grandmother, Becca begins to delve into her family's past and uncovers a hidden message in her grandmother's favorite story, "Briar Rose." Her discovery takes her back to the terrifying days of World War II, half a world away. Suitable for both Adult and Young Adult readers. HM

Personal Triumph

When Hope Prevails: The Personal Triumph of a Holocaust Survivor by Sam Offen

This book, written by an elderly survivor of the Holocaust, is stark in its simplicity. The horror of it is very real but the triumph of survival leaves hope for us all. Sam and his two brothers survived but their mother, father, sister and many other relatives were killed. It is difficult to read about the gas chamber. Sam came to the U.S., married and had a family and lived to tell the story. He will be speaking in person at Oxford Public Library on October 7, 2010, at 7 p.m. Register now!