Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is serious, important work—a Holocaust story that doesn't sugarcoat the terror but centers friendship and hope. Polacco's art is stunning, and the story (passed down from a real survivor) feels personal and immediate.

The 'Kindness Edition' with discussion questions is a smart move, because this book will spark hard conversations. It's not trauma porn—there's no graphic violence—but the threat is real and constant. Kids will ask what happened to Sevrine, why people hated Jewish families, whether everyone escaped.

The publisher's 4-8 age range is off. Multiple teachers and reviewers peg this for grades 3-5 (ages 8-10+), and I agree. Younger kids can handle the story if you're reading aloud and ready to talk, but the emotional weight and text density work best for older elementary.

This isn't casual bedtime reading, but it's exactly the kind of book that belongs in a thoughtful family's library. High educational value, beautifully executed, and a vital reminder that kids can be brave and kind even when the world is terrifying.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-11, despite the publisher's 4-8 recommendation. The text is dense and the Holocaust themes require emotional maturity and historical context. Could work as a read-aloud for younger kids if you're ready for big conversations, but most effective with third through fifth graders.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Patricia Polacco's Holocaust story centers friendship, bravery, and shared humanity. Models kindness between Monique and Sevrine despite terrifying circumstances. The tone is age-appropriate—serious but hopeful—and the 'Kindness Edition' includes discussion questions to help process the material. Emotionally healthy approach to a dark period.

Imaginative

72

The butterfly metaphor for freedom is poetic, and Polacco's distinctive mixed-media illustrations (pencil and marker) are visually striking. The story invites empathy and perspective-taking—imagining what it was like to hide from Nazis, to befriend someone in secret. But it's historical fiction grounded in real events, not fantasy or open-ended creative play.

Safe

75

Holocaust content means terror, hiding, and fleeing from Nazis—heavy themes that require context. No graphic violence or death scenes depicted, but the threat is constant and real. The 'Kindness Edition' discussion questions help scaffold conversations. Most reviews suggest grades 3-5 (ages 8-10+) rather than the publisher's 4-8 range. Safe in that it's purposeful and thoughtful, but not light bedtime reading.

Enriching

92

Vital historical education about the Holocaust through a child's lens. Builds empathy, courage, and understanding of persecution and resistance. The discussion questions prompt age-appropriate reflection on history, kindness, and standing up for others. Amazon rating of 4.9 and School Library Journal's praise ('perfect blend of art and story') confirm its educational and emotional impact.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Real history made accessible: Based on events passed down to Polacco herself, this introduces the Holocaust through a child's friendship rather than abstract horror
Discussion questions included: The 'Kindness Edition' gives parents and teachers scaffolding for age-appropriate conversations about persecution, resistance, and courage
Gorgeous illustrations: Polacco's signature mixed-media art (pencil and marker) brings warmth and humanity to a dark period
Builds empathy and moral courage: Shows kids standing up for each other when adults fail, and the power of friendship across difference
Highly rated: 4.9 stars on Amazon and School Library Journal's 'perfect blend of art and story' praise

⚠

What to Watch For

Heavy themes: Nazis, hiding, terror, nighttime escape—this isn't light reading and will prompt questions about persecution and death
Age mismatch: Publisher says 4-8, but reviewers and teachers consistently recommend grades 3-5 (ages 8-10+) due to text density and emotional weight
Requires context: You'll need to explain or have already introduced the Holocaust—not a first exposure to WWII history

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Monique's family decided to hide Sevrine even though it was dangerous for them?"
"What does the butterfly symbolize in this story? Why do you think Patricia Polacco chose that title?"
"Have you ever had to be brave to help a friend? What did that feel like?"
"Why were the Nazis targeting Jewish people? How do we make sure something like this never happens again?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

The Butterfly