The Search and A Family Secret Graphic Novels
Two interwoven graphic novels exploring the Holocaust through Dutch and Jewish perspectives—personal, powerful, and rooted in history.
$33.99
In a Curriculum Kit
Supplemental Material
Nonconsumable
Nonreligious
2026 Sixth-Grade Curriculum Kit
A Family Secret & The Search
A Family Secret introduces World War II and the Holocaust through the perspective of Jeroen, a Dutch boy who uncovers his grandmother's past during the Nazi occupation. As he learns about her Jewish friend and neighbor, the story gives readers a personal way to understand a painful chapter of history.
The Search picks up the thread through the voice of a Holocaust survivor—a Jewish grandmother sharing her memories with her grandson. Together, they retrace her story of escape, survival, and the search for her lost family. The illustrations remain non-graphic, but the narration is honest and at times direct about the horrors experienced, making this volume best suited for middle-school readers and up.
The graphic novel format makes the content accessible while still presenting a range of experiences. Across both books, readers meet resistance fighters, passive bystanders, collaborators, and brutal Nazis, helping students see not only what happened but also how ordinary people made choices in the face of injustice. The storyline follows a clear sequence of events grounded in historical context.
A note for parents: These books address the Holocaust and include difficult subject matter. Page 25 of The Search contains a single instance of language some families may wish to cover with a marker or a sticky note. Many families choose to read these books together or preview them in advance to decide the best fit for their child.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this product below:
Most children, from the reluctant, faltering reader to the brilliant but easily bored adolescent, will find graphic novels intriguing. A 2006 study found that the amount of reading children did for fun decreased from when they were eight through their teens. Graphic books can re-engage them in the delights of reading for leisure and learning. Here's an article we wrote with more considerations on Why Graphic Novels.
