The Search and A Family Secret Graphic Novels

A Family Secret & The Search

Introducing the Holocaust through compassionate storytelling

Talking to your child about the Holocaust may feel overwhelming—but these two graphic novels offer a powerful, age-appropriate starting point for understanding this dark chapter of history.

A Family Secret tells the story of WWII through the eyes of Jeroen, a Dutch boy who uncovers a hidden past. As he learns about his Jewish neighbor's experiences during the Nazi occupation, the story unfolds through a "safe" Dutch perspective. Readers encounter a wide range of characters—from heroic resistance fighters to passive bystanders and brutal Nazis—offering a well-rounded view of the complex moral landscape of the time. The events are historically accurate, grounded in a clear timeline, and woven into an engaging personal narrative.

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 heartbreaking search for her lost family. While the illustrations remain non-graphic, the narration is honest and sometimes direct about the horrors experienced, making it best suited for middle-school students and up.

Both books are excellent conversation starters, offering students a way to understand and reflect on history, empathy, and the choices people make in the face of injustice.

A note for parents:
Page 25 of The Search contains a single instance of language some families may wish to cover. It's easily handled with a bit of white-out or a sticky note. If you're unsure about the content, we recommend pre-reading to decide the best fit for your child.

Together, A Family Secret and The Search offer a deeply human, honest, and age-appropriate entry point into Holocaust education—helping kids learn from the past to shape a more compassionate future.