HOLOCAUST CURRICULUM THROUGHVisual Storytelling
Overview
Grades: 6 to 12
Ages: 11+
Duration: 3 hrs + 1 hr (optional)
Language: English
This curriculum harnesses the power of visual storytelling through Kati Preston’s graphic novel HIDDEN: A True Story of the Holocaust, illustrated by Dilleen Marsh, to make Holocaust history both tangible and emotionally impactful. By engaging multiple literacies — textual, visual, and emotional — graphic novels help make complex historical narratives accessible to diverse learners. Through drawing, discussion, and critical writing, students develop a multidimensional understanding of Kati Preston’s personal journey and the broader historical context of the Holocaust.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze Holocaust narratives using both textual and visual elements in graphic novels.
- Demonstrate historical empathy by interpreting the lived experiences of Holocaust survivors, such as Kati Preston.
- Identify and discuss key themes, such as survival, identity, resistance, and resilience.
- Interpret symbolism, layout, and artistic choices in graphic storytelling to extract deeper meaning.
- Evaluate authorial perspective and the impact of personal storytelling in conveying historical truth.
- Draw inferences from visual media and create original comic panels to explore untold moments.
- Collaborate with peers to discuss complex moral questions raised by Holocaust history.
- Develop and articulate critical arguments in written essays about historical accuracy, perspective, and ethical representation.
Lessons
The instructions for the classroom activities are covered in the Teacher’s Guide. The following table describes each lesson.
| Lesson | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 - Read and Discuss the Novel (120 min) | Students begin by exploring the title and dedication of the graphic novel HIDDEN: A True Story of the Holocaust, as well as themes of victimhood, survival, and hope. Using the first page of the novel, students learn how to interpret panels, colors, text bubbles, and visual structure. Students then read the novel (in full or part) and participate in a guided discussion, tackling both content and moral questions; for example, what constitutes courage or complicity. The book is available in paperback, Kindle, and an interactive online eBook format with audio. |
| 2 - Drawing Activities (60 min) | Students annotate panels, infer missing scenes, redraw impactful moments, and create new interpretations—promoting both close reading and creative reflection. |
| 3 - Critical Essay (60 min) - Optional | Students write essays analyzing the novel’s historical fidelity, authorial choices, and message. |
