Under the Rubble

"These firsthand accounts offer a chilling yet poignant portrayal of life during the Nazi occupation. The narrative follows a group of individuals determined to preserve their stories, ensuring their history would never be forgotten beneath the rubble. Their courage and foresight frame the book as a historical account and a testament to resilience. Boxer weaves powerful quotes throughout the work, drawn from the voices of those who lived through it. Drachkovska's illustrations deepen the emotional impact, adding a visual layer that conveys hope and heartbreak in ways words alone cannot.

VERDICT A powerful and accessible introduction to the horrors of the Holocaust for younger readers. The inclusion of supplemental videos and links encourages further inquiry, making this a valuable addition to any library collection."

—School Library Journal

"A compelling narrative...This first person account, as relived by Wasser himself, moves into a flashback. It’s six years earlier in 1940 when the work of the documentarians begins. Everyone they could recruit is given paper and pencil. But the work and the writing become increasingly difficult as the Nazi grip on the Ghetto tightens. And then the deportations begin. When it becomes clear that they may not survive, they bury their work, in the hope that the truth may one day come to light.

There was always hope, if not for their lives, then for their words. The light in the illustrations captures this spirit. Small vignettes of Jewish life are captured in muted tones. There are oversized Nazi boots above a tunnel and large Nazi shadows against the Ghetto wall. But mostly, there are the faces of fear and the postures of a people oppressed. A floating piece of parchment in each spread quotes a writer from the Ghetto and creates its own narrative. There is an Author's Note, a Glossary, Selected Sources, a few photos, and a hand drawn map in the back matter. This supporting material gives context to a story told in simple, flowing language.

Under the Rubble: The Hidden Letters of the Warsaw Ghetto is a fitting tribute to the bravery and foresight of the members of the Oneg Shabbat. It can be read as a stand alone or as part of a broader discussion of the Holocaust and is suitable for home or curricular use. A young child can read the picture book at face value. An older child can find more meaning behind the carefully considered and discerningly chosen words. This is a book for All Ages."

—The Jewish Book Garden