This seems to be a part of series of books for older children about the experiences of child survivors of the Holocaust told in their own words.

This is told by two sisters. The older one was the only Hearing person in her family. Her sister and her parents were Deaf. I’ve read a lot of Holocaust memoirs but I can’t remember any others told from a Deaf perspective. It was really interesting. The older one is listed as the author of this book but even though the younger sister is not given a byline she tells her story too. This is from the Fortunoff Video Archive and

Though what the sisters went through was harrowing the way they tell of their experiences (this is a loose transcript from video testimony) is straightforward and without theatrics. Their experiences are related in chronological order, from when the Nazis arrived at where they lived, to what living as Jews under the occupation was like, to when their parents were deported, to their time in Bergen Belsen, and then in Sweden, and finally in the United States.

While the narrative doesn’t shy away from exactly what conditions in Nazi occupied territory and the concentration camp was like the story is told in a way that is suitable for older children, assuming they are. Up for reading about atrocities and children who were in grave peril.

The book is short and is a quick read and it completely held my attention as I read it. I doubt if I’ll read any of the other books in this loose series because they seem to be designed for children and for this subject matter I usually prefer to read books written for an adult audience and like to know about things in more depth. This book would make a great classroom or family group read/read aloud. I really liked it. ( )

First sentence: Renee: In 1943, German soldiers rounded up the Jews living in my city, Bratislava, and sent them to death camps to be killed.

Premise/plot: Signs of Survival is nonfiction for young(er) readers. It is the story of Renee and Herta, two sisters sent to Bergen-Belsen. Renee was the only 'hearing' member of her family. Her sister and parents were deaf. She is the ears of her family. After their parents are taken away, these two rely on one another. Rely might not be the right word--together they are better, stronger; being together keeps hope alive.

The book alternates between the two girls. The last third of the novel is an aftermath, what happens to the two sisters after the war is over and they are freed from the concentration camp.

My thoughts: I am completely unoriginal when it comes to reviewing these types of books. I always say the story is compelling. (True once again). I always say that nonfiction is powerful. (Again true this time too.) I always say every voice is worth being heard, and that every story matters. (True and true.) If you find yourself drawn to Holocaust stories and/or war stories, this one is worth your time. It is for a younger audience. (I'd say elementary school, mid-to-upper elementary schools). It is probably more intense than say Number the Stars. This one offers a unique perspective (all survivor stories could be said to be unique, I don't mean to compare apples and oranges). The situation is 100% terrifying no matter what. To imagine being in that situation and unable to hear and communicate--seems to magnify the terror. Herta relies on Renee to sign everything she needs to know. ( )

Signs of Survival is geared for middle grade readers, therefore it is short -- but still powerful and poignant. Renee (hearing) and Herta (Deaf) live in then-Czechoslovakia with their Deaf parents during the Holocaust. They use sign language. And they are Jewish. Needless to say--considering the time and place in history -- terrible things happen.

This memoir, in transcribed oral history format told by both sisters, follows the sisters as they struggle for survival during the Holocaust (including sent away to concentration camps) and their eventual immigration to the United States.

As a Deaf person, I appreciate that Renee and Herta's story has been published. It is important to note that Deaf people were targeted along with Jewish people and other marginalized groups during this horrific time. ( )

This is a really extraordinary story of survival, and the adaptation from oral history to book is very well done. I loved the spare storytelling style, the context offered at the end of the book, and the sheer emotional impact. Loved that the story incorporates both sisters' points of view as well, and the different burdens they carried -- Renee in translating, Herta in isolation from deaf community. We so rarely get to see deaf community in the larger context of history, and it's good to see that diversity, even against the horrific backdrop of the Holocaust.



Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )

Told through the transcripts of video testimonies recorded for the Fortunoff Video Archive, Signs of Survival is about two sisters from Bratislava, one is hearing, Renee, and one is deaf, Herta, who both survived the Holocaust.

This book is meant for the younger crowd and it is pretty simplified about what happened to Jews during the Holocaus. Don’t get me wrong, it still talks about the torment, horrors, and deaths Jews experienced, but it doesn’t go into details. The text is from transcripts from oral stories by the surviving sisters so there is a lot of telling rather than showing in the narrative. Because of this, it lacks some of the emotional impact you tend to see in memoirs, especially those from the Holocaust. This then brings up the conversation as to when is the right time to introduce children to the horrid details of the Holocaust?

I wish there was more sign language in it though, and maybe some information about Operation T4. They mentioned doctors trying/wanting to admit Herta into the hospital but Renee wouldn’t let them. Maybe that was Operation T4, or something completely different. I kind of wish it was mentioned in the author’s note in the back even if it didn’t directly apply to the girls in the novel. Knowing about Operation T4, it amazes me the girls were able to stay not only together, but alive throughout their whole experience.

This novel is a quick read yet still filled with plenty of information. I highly recommend it to those of a younger age. It’s a great introduction to learning about the Holocaust and will make the young reader think, ponder, and learn about history. ( )