Reviews of Carol Matas' Daniel's Story often highlight its poignant and compelling portrayal of a young boy's experience during the Holocaust. Readers commend its emotional depth and historical accuracy, making it suitable for educational purposes. Criticisms occasionally mention a simplified narrative and character development. Despite this, it remains a powerful introduction to Holocaust literature.

Readers who were moved by Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl or Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars will find Carol Matas’ Daniel’s Story compelling. This middle-grade historical fiction appeals to those interested in World War II and the Holocaust, blending emotional depth with historical accuracy.

Daniel's Story by Carol Matas follows a young Jewish boy named Daniel as he and his family endure the rise of the Nazis, the implementation of the Nuremberg Laws, and life in the Lodz Ghetto and Auschwitz concentration camp during the Holocaust. Daniel captures evidence of the atrocities with his camera and fights alongside the resistance before ultimately finding hope and love amid the devastation. This book includes graphic descriptions of the genocide and numerous traumas during the Holocaust.

Dark / Melancholic / Emotional / Inspirational

Carol Matas

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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Daniel's Story Summary

Background

Daniel's Story Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Pictures of Frankfurt”

Part 1 Daniel's Story Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Pictures of Lodz”

Part 2 Daniel's Story Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Pictures of Auschwitz”

Part 3 Daniel's Story Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: Pictures of Buchenwald

Part 4 Daniel's Story Part 4 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Daniel's Story Character Analysis

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Themes

Daniel's Story Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Daniel's Story Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Daniel's Story Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Daniel's Story Essay Topics

Daniel's Story

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Daniel's Story?

Reading Age

Book Details