Heartbreaking, stark, focusing on the lack of empathy, actions of brutality of the Nazi occupation, and terror at the hands of soldiers who follow directions, without feeling from their soul.

Rose Blanche is based on the life of the author. In this story, Rose notices the tanks that hurry through what was a quiet, calm hometown. One day she witnesses a little boy who is taken abruptly by the Nazi soldiers.

Following him, she discovers him in a concentration camp located through the woods. She finds him and she bravely provides bread to him through the wire. While the book does not say that Rose is killed in helping him, the image of shots ringing out and Rose Blanche never returning to her home, lets the reader no that her assistance and caring cost her life.

This is an incredibly powerful book. ( )

Thoughtful presentation on the experience of a young German girl during WWII. She follows army trucks and finds a concentration camp (tho those words are never used) and shares her food with the children there. The artwork is realistic, detailed, and takes up most of the page. The text is limited to about 4 lines per page.[return]The ending is not explicit, followed by "the mother waited a long time for her little girl", but allows a parent to discuss "what do you think happened?" or "what happens during war?" or "what would you do?" and the final page is spring coming & hope. ( )

Interesting in that it never uses the words "Nazi," "Holocaust," or "Jew," and with really detailed, impressive illustrations. This book just didn't do it for me, though, maybe because I've read quite a bit of fiction about WWII and I know there's better stuff out there. Even though I didn't personally find it that moving, I would recommend it to younger readers, say, 10-13 years old, who aren't ready for Maus and The Book Thief. ( )

Rose Blanche was the name of a group of young German citizens who, at their peril, protested against the war. Until the tide of the war turns and soldiers in different uniforms stream in from the East, and Rose and the imprisoned children disappear for ever .

good - Katrina