From School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up—As a high schooler, Lebowitz participated in the International March of the Living, a program dedicated to bringing people to visit sites of the Holocaust, including Auschwitz. During her trip, she met survivors and forged strong friendships with some. Through these friendships, Lebowitz learned of the upcoming trial of Oskar Groening, a 94-year-old former SS agent. He was to stand trial in Germany for aiding and abetting the murder of 300,000 Jewish people at Auschwitz. Lebowitz knew she wanted to watch the trial firsthand. Through boldness and determination, she achieved her goal and sat in the courtroom for the first week of the trial and blogged about her experience. The eyewitness account reveals the complexity of her emotions—she wanted Groening convicted swiftly yet was moved by the frailty of the elderly man. However, her introspection, comprising much of the story, is rather dryly written. Alternatively, the verbatim testimony of both Holocaust survivors and Groening are truly gut-wrenching. The fact that with each passing year, fewer and fewer survivors are alive to tell their stories makes this account important. Although Lebowitz returned to Toronto before the trial's end, she continued to follow the proceedings and the eventual guilty verdict. The ordeal has since prompted Lebowitz to advocate for human rights worldwide. VERDICT Though a bit wordy, Lebowitz's account is a stirring reminder of the importance of history and activism.—Lisa Crandall, formerly at the Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI
Review
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
Kacer deftly handles the complex and tense dramatic nonfiction narrative and its layers of emotion… A must-have in a YA collection. ― AJL Reviews
Focussing on the real stories and feelings of real human beings who lived through the worst horrors imaginable, Kacer keeps the book both an engrossing read and a powerful messenger. Highly Recommended. ― CM: Canadian Review of Materials
By the time readers reach the end of the book, they will realize as Jordana does that the trial wasn’t so much about justice for the millions of Jewish people who were murdered, but about sending a message worldwide that hatred will not go unchecked. That there are consequences.... That young people must listen to the lessons of history and take an active role in making this world a better place. ― Edmonton Jewish News
...Kacer is able to help the reader better understand the conflict with which both [Lebowitz and Groening] are struggling. Although no direct transcript of the testimony exists, Kacer's treatment of Groening's story is fair and even-keeled... ― Canadian Children's Book News
"To Look a Nazi in the Eye addresses topics such as prejudice, tolerance, the Holocaust, social justice, citizenship, as well demonstrating that young people can and do have a voice." -- Terri Lawrence-Taylor, OCT ― Professionally Speaking
Book Description
She had expected to hate him. But hate, just like forgiveness, can be complicated.
From the Inside Flap
Holocaust, Auschwitz, Nazi war criminals, law, Holocaust survivors, memory, journalism, Germany
From the Back Cover
Holocaust, Auschwitz, Nazi war criminals, law, Holocaust survivors, memory, journalism, Germany
About the Author
Kathy Kacer’s books have won a number of awards, including the Silver Birch and the Jewish Book Award. A former psychologist, Kathy now travels the globe speaking to children and adults about the importance of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive. Kathy lives in Toronto with her family.
Jordana Lebowitz attended the trial of Oskar Groening in 2015. She is dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and set up a Nazi cattle car exhibit at her university that was seen by more than 2,000 people. From Toronto, she has worked for Holocaust organizations in Australia and California and travels frequently. 
