The Diary of Laura's Twin

When you think about the future, you may think of what you'll do when you grow up, or what your dream house will look like...but not so 13 year old Sarah. Sarah wonders if she'll even be alive! Twelve year old Laura is assigned to a "twinning project" at her Hebrew school. Her task is to find someone the same age as she and who has the same personality traits as hers, but who was alive during World War II. She is to present her findings at her Bat Mitzvah (the coming of age religious ceremony for a girl). Laura's Rabbi introduces her to an older woman from whom she could get this information about World War II. Laura reads "Sarah's diary," given to her by the woman, and she learns about many heartbreaking events and hardships that Sarah experienced. Then comes the biggest surprise of all which Laura could never have predicted.

There is a plethora of choices when seeking out a quality book about the Holocaust. Laura's Twin should be at the top of the list. Laura is a typical tween preparing for her Bat Mitzvah. Her Rabbi asks her to be part of a "twinning program," which involves the symbolic pairing of a Bat or Bar Mitzvah boy or girl and a victim of the Holocaust who was unable to have a ceremony. Initially Laura is hesitant. She is too busy with her life and Bat Mitzvah preparations. But then she is given the diary of a girl name Sara, and she is drawn to her story of life in the Warsaw ghetto. Soon events in her life have new significance in light of Sara's struggles. Through Sara's diary, readers learn about the event of the Warsaw Ghetto from a personal perspective. There is a great sense of pride in the resistance fighters. The final outcome of the book is surprising and satisfying. The author beautifully melds historical events with the contemporary issues Laura is facing. Many photographs are included, which helps to bring the story to life. At the end of the book is a full description of the twining program and details about the experiences of young men and women who have participated in this righteous endeavor. This story of history, faith, and hope belongs in every public and Judaic library and would be a welcomed addition to any Holocaust curriculum. Highly recommended for ages 11 and up. Barbara Bietz

A Bat Mitzvah is something many young Jewish girls relish, but some were denied that right. "The Diary of Laura's Twin: A Holocaust Remembrance for Young Readers" tells of Laura, who has been tasked with reading the diary of a girl who age who was a victim of the Holocaust atrocity. She bonds with the girl who has been deemed her twin, and must speak for her at her own Bat Mitzvah. Through her studies, she gains much appreciation for her culture and people. Enhanced with biographies and photos of those involved in the Warsaw ghettos, "The Diary of Laura's Twin" is highly recommended reading for any young Jewish readers.