Amid the horrors of World War II, Irena Sendler was an unlikely and unsung hero. While many people lived in fear of the Nazis, Irena defied them, even though it could have meant her life. This gripping true story of a woman who took it upon herself to help save 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust is not only inspirational―it's unforgettable.

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley. ( )

When the Jewish citizens of Warsaw were moved into a ghetto during World War II, Irena Sendler knew she had to help. Over time, her mission grew from sending food and supplies into the ghetto to smuggling thousands of infants out of its walls and maintaining records so that they might search for their families after the war. Afterword, Author’s Note, Glossary, Index, Source Notes.

I have read a lot of books about the atrocities that occurred during WWII, but most of these books are filled with the strength and compassion of the people who fought against the evil that happened. This book is no exception to that. I had never heard of the main character in this book, Irena Sendler, so it is great that this book was written about her so that her story is not forgotten.

Irena was a Polish citizen who refused to turn a blind eye to what was happening in Poland. Instead of running away from all that happened in the ghetto, she stuck by to help the children. She convinced parents that she could keep their children safe by smuggling them out of the ghetto, bringing them to safety and making sure that their new foster families would get money and food to take care of that extra mouth. She did all that under cover of trying to keep disease and illness from spreading with medicine and vaccines. The guards were so afraid of getting sick, they did not check her bags for a long time. She kept meticulous lists of the names of the children, their parents and who the foster families were so they could be reunited after the war. She was eventually caught but was able to save the lists in jars buried in the ground (Jars of Hope). Irena was an amazing person, even when she was caught she stayed silent, no matter how gruesome the torture (though since this is a children's book it is mostly toned down, but I am guessing that the nazis won't just have whipped her and do not much else). After the war some of the children were reunited with their parents. The other wonderful thing is that Irena kept in contact with the children she had rescued. This was an amazing story.

The illustrations were black and white drawings, showing the darkness of war. As another reviewer said, It was great to see how Irena was drawn, at most times she seemed to be a beacon that lit up the place, the one to bring happiness and light around her. Showing people that there is still hope, that she will help. I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Jars of Hope is set during the time of the German invasion into Poland. The book starts off introducing the reader to a little girl named Irena in the year 1917. Irena's father dies when she is very young, but he tells her something that will live in her heart forever. Fast forward to 1940, and Irena is working as a social worker in the Warsaw ghetto in Poland. She knew she had to do something to help the people living here, so she starts sneaking them food and medicine. She eventually starts sneaking children out, in an attempt to save their lives. She goes on to save many lives, and, because of her meticulously recorded lists, some of the children were able to be reunited with their parents. This is a true story about a woman who selflessly and courageously saved lives and made a difference during the Nazi invasion into Poland. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because I thought the writing could have been better. ( )