The Death Camps (Holocaust (Raintree Steck-Vaughn))

From School Library Journal Grade 5-9-Levy has spun a tale of multiple historical, religious, political, social, and economic threads that, when interwoven, led to the tragic tapestry known as the Holocaust. Other books have included one or two or at most three of its causes. Levy offers a much more comprehensive, yet succinct, treatment. Throughout, she cites quotes that reveal her extensive research and illuminate the point she wishes to make. In Death Camps, Sheehan correctly distinguishes between the work camps where people died from overwork, disease, accident, and cruelty, and the death camps that existed for the purpose of murder. The author discusses the latter in detail. Where they were, how they were run, who oversaw them and ordered the murders, and what daily life was like for the prisoners are all addressed. In both titles, the photographs, charts, and reproductions are clear, and various resources are listed, including films and places to visit. These titles present many complex issues in a complete and understandable format.