To Look a Nazi in the Eye

A Teen’s Account of a War Criminal Trial

By: Kathy Kacer, Jordana Lebowitz - contributor

Narrated by: Gabi Epstein

She had expected to hate him. But hate, just like forgiveness, can be complicated.

The true story of 19-year-old Jordana Lebowitz’s time at the trial of Oskar Groening, known as the bookkeeper of Auschwitz, a man charged with being complicit in the death of more than 300,000 Jews. A granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Jordana was still not prepared for what she would see and hear. Listening to Groening’s testimony and to the Holocaust survivors who came to testify against him, Jordana came to understand that by witnessing history she gained the knowledge and legitimacy to be able to stand in the footsteps of the survivors who went before her and pass their history - her history - on to the next generation.

©2017 Kathy Kacer with Jordana Lebowitz (P)2021 Second Story Press

Critic reviews

“With living survivors seen through the eyes of a contemporary teen, the Holocaust is made present.... 72 years after the liberation of the death camps, this immediacy is vital” (Kirkus Reviews)

“The fact that with each passing year, fewer and fewer survivors are alive to tell their stories makes this account important.... A stirring reminder of the importance of history and activism.” (School Library Journal)

“The book is filled with serious quandaries and issues but is also an exciting page-turner. Highly recommended for ages 14 and up.” (Jewish Book Council)

Beautiful story

Loved this book. I was transported right into the court room with Jordana and the brave survivors. Such an important story.

this book is so freaking good!

I loved this book so much! I chose it for a book report and I didn't think I would like it. i was wrong! this book made me laugh, cry, and think. I learned so much from this book. I love the way it is written! I felt like Jordanna was telling me her expierience face to face! this book is amazing! I recommend!