The Night of the Burning

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, struggling with feelings of displacement, or asking difficult questions about why bad things happen to innocent people. It serves as a gentle but honest container for discussing the complexities of grief and the bravery required to start over in a completely foreign environment. The story follows Devorah and her sister, survivors of a Polish pogrom, as they travel from the ruins of their home to a new life in South Africa. While the historical context is heavy, the narrative focuses on the emotional bond between sisters and the slow process of healing. It is most appropriate for middle schoolers who are ready to explore historical injustices through a personal, character driven lens. Parents will find this a valuable tool for discussing resilience, the importance of cultural identity, and how we carry our history with us even when we move far away.