The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron
Published: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, WWII, Friendship
Summary: The extraordinary story of Stefania Podgorska, a Polish teenager who chose bravery and humanity by hiding thirteen Jews in her attic during WWII -- from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon Cameron.
One knock at the door, and Stefania has a choice to make...
It is 1943, and for four years, sixteen-year-old Stefania has been working for the Diamant family in their grocery store in Przemsyl, Poland, singing her way into their lives and hearts. She has even made a promise to one of their sons, Izio -- a betrothal they must keep secret since she is Catholic and the Diamants are Jewish.
But everything changes when the German army invades Przemsyl. The Diamants are forced into the ghetto, and Stefania is alone in an occupied city, the only one left to care for Helena, her six-year-old sister. And then comes the knock at the door. Izio's brother Max has jumped from the train headed to a death camp. Stefania and Helena make the extraordinary decision to hide Max, and eventually twelve more Jews. Then they must wait, every day, for the next knock at the door, the one that will mean death. When
the knock finally comes, it is two Nazi officers, requisitioning Stefania's house for the German army.
With two Nazis below, thirteen hidden Jews above, and a little sister by her side, Stefania has one more excruciating choice to make.
Review: Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, the book follows Stefania, a Catholic teenager, who makes the impossible decision to hide thirteen Jews in her attic, risking her own life and the life of her younger sister. Cameron’s writing is both haunting and hopeful, as she paints a vivid picture of the unimaginable horrors of war while also highlighting the profound humanity that can shine through even in the darkest of times.
What makes this novel particularly compelling is its strong emphasis on moral dilemmas and the choices people must make under extreme circumstances. Stefania’s journey from an ordinary young girl to a quiet hero is both relatable and inspiring, making her a character that I believe my students will connect with on an emotional level. Cameron does an excellent job of portraying Stefania’s internal conflicts—her fear, her doubts, and her fierce determination to do what is right, even when it seems impossible.
For classroom use, The Light in Hidden Places offers a valuable opportunity to engage students in discussions about ethics, empathy, and the impact of individual actions during historical events. It provides a human face to the statistics and facts of World War II, making the history more tangible and real for young readers. The book also raises important questions about resistance, complicity, and the moral complexities of survival, which can lead to rich classroom discussions and critical thinking.
However, I also anticipate that the novel’s intense subject matter may be difficult for some students to process. Sensitive topics such as the brutality of the Holocaust, violence, and trauma are central to the narrative, so it’s important to approach these themes with care and provide students with the support they need to navigate the emotional weight of the story.
Overall, The Light in Hidden Places is a deeply moving and educational novel that I highly recommend for high school students studying World War II and the Holocaust. It’s a story that reminds us of the power of hope, the strength of the human spirit, and the profound impact one person can have in the face of overwhelming adversity. I am eager to share this book with my class, knowing that it will not only enhance their understanding of history but also inspire them to reflect on the moral choices they face in their own lives.
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