Light in Hidden Places, The

Based on a true story, actual wartime events, and the journals of a seventeen-year-old Polish teen, Stefania Podgórska, “The Light in Hidden Places” is an engaging story that retells the historical events that unfolded during Germany’s occupation of Poland during World War II. Stefania’s efforts to save and hide Jews put her life at risk, and through her story, readers can gain a deep insight into the horrors and cruelty endured by the Jewish and Polish communities during the Nazi occupation. Suitable for secondary-level students, this novel broaches subjects such as segregation, war, and genocide through a simple voice, relatable point-of-view, and an emotional story. In the classroom, the book could be read aloud or in literature circles. Its themes can invite discussions and creative writing projects about historical events, social responsibility, as well as present-day issues such as racism.