Irena Sendler was a hero of the Holocaust.  This picture book, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, tells the story of Irena’s courage in stepping up to rescue Jewish children in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. In Warsaw, Poland, Irena worked with the Zegota underground to develop plans to enter the Warsaw Ghetto and smuggle children out.  Then, she and others bravely executed these plans saving 2500 Jewish children.  Irena also kept and protected detailed records with hopes of reuniting families when the war was over.  Other great reads in our library about the work of the underground in Warsaw during this time period are Irena’s Children: A True Story of Courage by Tilar J. Mazzeo and The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman.

Mother Teresa by Demi is a beautifully illustrated biography of a most interesting life.  Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu.  She felt the call of religious life at the age of twelve. Agnes learned of a group of nuns from Ireland that were working in India.  At age 18, Agnes joined the Loretto Abbey in Ireland.  She learned English quickly. She chose the name of Sister Mary Teresa after the French Teresa of Lisieux. In 1929, Sister Mary Teresa left Ireland and traveled to India where she became a Loreto novice. She began teaching school and then helping the sick.  Sister Mary Teresa continued doing good works in India until her death in 1997.

Demi has other books on subjects of religious leaders such as Buddha and Muhammad.