About Leslie Mickel

Leslie Mickel is a historian, researcher, and storyteller devoted to uncovering the extraordinary moments in history where courage, compassion, and humanity prevailed against overwhelming odds.

With a deep and enduring fascination for World War II and the resilience of the human spirit, Leslie’s work focuses on the individuals and communities who chose to act—who stepped forward when it would have been easier to stand by. Her writing brings these stories to life in a way that is both historically grounded and emotionally powerful, inviting readers to not only understand the past, but to feel it.

Her first book, Imagine Decency, explores one of the most remarkable acts of collective courage during WWII—the rescue of Denmark’s Jewish population. Through careful research and compelling narrative, Leslie highlights how ordinary citizens, faced with extraordinary circumstances, chose unity, compassion, and moral leadership over fear and indifference.

Building on this foundation, Leslie continues her work with Imagine Humanity, a powerful and deeply human story of Jewish refugees who found unexpected refuge in wartime Shanghai. This next chapter expands her exploration of survival, resilience, and hope—revealing how people rebuild their lives, preserve their identity, and find meaning even in the most uncertain conditions.

Leslie’s approach to storytelling is rooted in both research and experience. She has spent years studying historical archives and visiting significant sites, including Denmark’s Museum of Danish Resistance and the Danish Jewish Museum. These experiences have shaped her understanding of the past and strengthened her commitment to telling these stories with accuracy, depth, and respect.

But Leslie’s work is about more than history.

At its core, her writing asks a simple but powerful question:
What would we do in their place?

By exploring how ordinary individuals became “upstanders” rather than bystanders, Leslie encourages readers to reflect on their own choices, values, and responsibilities in today’s world. Her stories serve as both a window into the past and a mirror for the present—reminding us that even in the darkest times, humanity has the capacity to rise.

When she’s not writing, Leslie enjoys exploring historical archives, connecting with fellow history enthusiasts, and engaging in meaningful conversations about the lessons we can carry forward from the past.