Elie Wiesel
Age level: High School
Recommended by: Gail Lindenberg, Nogales High School, California Summary: A short work of immense power, this novel of the Holocaust is told with vivid
intensity. Autobiographical in nature, the reader experiences the deportation and incarceration of Elie and his father during World War II. The work is best used with High School students under the guidance of a teacher
who is prepared to discuss the graphic depictions of real incidents in the death camps. A major aspect of the work is the age-old theological conundrum :
How can a God of mercy allow such horror in His creation? This book is the first in a series of short novels that follow Elie Wiesel through his recovery from the horrors of his experiences leading to his eventual spiritual renewal. This book sounds out a heartfelt cry for all men to guard against tyranny and hatred.
Teaching suggestions: Students need to talk about this book. It is so intense that I rarely have them read it during class because many need to be alone with the content. A major question Elie asks is how can
any man do this to his fellow man. This simple question should spark extensive discussion.
For teacher recommended websites on Elie Wiesel,
