Books Irena's Children: A True Story of Courage  by Tilar J. Mazzeo (Author)

"Irena's Children: A True Story of Courage" by Tilar J. Mazzeo tells the inspiring story of Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who risked her life to save approximately 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Under Nazi occupation, Irena smuggled food, medicine, and most importantly, children out of the ghetto, often hiding them in coffins, toolboxes, and sewers. She created a network of trusted colleagues who found safe hiding places for these children in the city and beyond.

Despite being brutally tortured and arrested by the Gestapo, Irena never revealed the names of those in her network or the children she saved. She kept secret lists of the children's real names so they could be reunited with their families after the war, preserving their identities amid the horrific circumstances. The book highlights her bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering hope amidst the horror of the Holocaust. It also educates young readers about the realities of that time through the lens of Irena's courageous actions.