HIDING FROM THE NAZIS IN PLAIN SIGHT: A Powerful Graphic Novel

Capstone Press, 2024

I recently read a new graphic biography of two remarkably talented Jewish sisters who survived WWII and the concentration camps through a rare combination of talent and kindness. HIDING FROM THE NAZIS IN PLAIN SIGHT: A Graphic Novel Biography of Hanna and Trina Arshanskaya was written by Lydia Lukidis and illustrated by Aleksandar Sotirovski. At only 32 pages, this slim but comprehensive approach makes their story accessible and allows younger readers (elementary and middle grade) a view of one human journey within the massive historic events of the Holocaust, a tragedy  that often seem incomprehensible. 

In brief, these sisters were raised from birth in a Polish family that celebrated and surrounded themselves with classical music. Both sisters developed remarkable skill at the piano, playing individually and at the same keyboard.Their early talent and hard work made them locally famous and earned scholarships, impressing teachers and audiences.

When German troops invaded Poland in 1939 the family was rounded up to be taken to camps. First one, then later the other sister managed to escape the early transport marches. Initially, they were taken in and hidden by the family of a classmate. In their city they could have been easily recognized. With new names and false identities as non-Jews, they were helped to move to a remote orphanage. Their talent became obvious and they eventually were performing on stage under their new identities, often for audiences filled with uniformed Nazi soldiers. Entertaining them was infuriating, but also put them inconstant danger of being recognized. The later years of the war led to happy endings for their lives, despite the painful loss of their family and loved ones. Back matter reveals many helpful details and allow further questioning and researching. 

I don't often include graphic formats in these posts, but this complex and unusual content, the story of these remarkable sisters, fits this format better than picture book format does. Like picture books, though, it presents content that pairs text and visual narrative to strengthen both,  making their story complete, compact, and compelling.  I urge families, librarians, and teachers to check out this terrific account and use it to launch further discussions and studies. Readers will see their age-peers in situations that allow them to connect more fully with the historic facts of the Holocaust.