Hidden

Reach for this book when your child starts asking difficult questions about the past, family secrets, or why certain groups of people have been treated unfairly in history. It is an essential tool for parents who want to introduce the concept of the Holocaust through a lens of safety, love, and resilience rather than through trauma alone. The story follows a grandmother, Dounia, as she finally shares her childhood experiences in Nazi-occupied France with her granddaughter. Through gentle illustrations and a framing device that emphasizes the bond between generations, Hidden explores themes of bravery, the kindness of strangers, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. While the subject matter is serious, the book focuses on how Dounia was protected and hidden by neighbors and friends, making it a manageable and deeply moving introduction to a complex historical period for children ages 8 to 12. It provides a bridge for families to discuss identity, empathy, and the importance of remembering history.