Read these stories in conjunction with your studies on World War II and the Holocaust.
By Liane Hicks
The War That Saved My Life is a historical fiction novel set in England at the outbreak of World War II. However, there is another "war" that the protagonist, 10-year-old Ada Smith, faces: the battle to escape her abusive mother. Engage and educate students with Storyboard That premade activities!
By Lauren Ayube
Once, which is written from the first person point of view of a child, is heartbreaking, raw, honest, and beautifully written. The first of a series of three books, it is the perfect book to teach young children about the truths and the horrors of the Holocaust. Learn more with Storyboard That!
By Lauren Ayube
Leon Leyson was just shy of ten years old when the Germans invaded Krakow, Poland, where he lived with his parents and siblings. For Leon and his family, 1939 was the start of several years of misery, starvation, torment, inconceivable inhumanity, and loss. The Boy on the Wooden Box is an important memoir of a boy who survived the most horrific time in world history.
By Liane Hicks
White Bird is a story about Sara Blum, a Jewish girl in hiding for survival in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. She is also the grandmother, Grandmère, of Julian Albans, Auggie Pullman's tormentor in Wonder and Auggie & Me.
Lesson Plans by Anna Warfield
The Holocaust is one of the blackest periods in world history. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl whose family tried to escape persecution and imprisonment by hiding in secret rooms. Anne kept a diary of her experience in the “Secret Annex” that shows the difficulties the Franks faced, as well as courage, wisdom, and hope in the face of adversity.
Lesson Plans by Becky Harvey
Number the Stars is a realistic historical fiction that portrays a young Danish girl, Annemarie, during the Nazi occupation. Annemarie’s best friend Ellen and her family are Jewish, and as such, are being hunted by the Nazis. Engage students with premade activities and storyboards with Storyboard That.
By Liane Hicks
The War That Saved My Life is a historical fiction novel set in England at the outbreak of World War II. However, there is another "war" that the protagonist, 10-year-old Ada Smith, faces: the battle to escape her abusive mother. Engage and educate students with Storyboard That premade activities!
By Liane Hicks
The Book Thief is a historical fiction novel written in 2005. The story centers on the life of Liesel Meminger, a young German orphan raised by foster parents during the rise of Hitler and the beginning of World War II. The author chooses Death to be the narrator, as he is able to convey the scope of suffering of the Holocaust as well as describe the emotional story.
By Liane Hicks
Milkweed is an award winning historical fiction novel written in 2003. The story is about a young boy fighting to survive the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. It is a compelling novel that teachers may use to facilitate meaningful discussions with their students about the Holocaust.
By Lauren Ayube
Originally part of a speech, many variations of the poem have circulated since the 1950s. Niemoller wrote these words after he spent seven years in Nazi concentration camps for opposing the Nazi control over churches, and realized the immense mistreatment that Jewish people endured.
By Lauren Ayube
Once, which is written from the first person point of view of a child, is heartbreaking, raw, honest, and beautifully written. The first of a series of three books, it is the perfect book to teach young children about the truths and the horrors of the Holocaust. Learn more with Storyboard That!
By Lauren Ayube
Leon Leyson was just shy of ten years old when the Germans invaded Krakow, Poland, where he lived with his parents and siblings. For Leon and his family, 1939 was the start of several years of misery, starvation, torment, inconceivable inhumanity, and loss. The Boy on the Wooden Box is an important memoir of a boy who survived the most horrific time in world history.
By Liane Hicks
White Bird is a story about Sara Blum, a Jewish girl in hiding for survival in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. She is also the grandmother, Grandmère, of Julian Albans, Auggie Pullman's tormentor in Wonder and Auggie & Me.
Lesson Plans by Anna Warfield
The Holocaust is one of the blackest periods in world history. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl whose family tried to escape persecution and imprisonment by hiding in secret rooms. Anne kept a diary of her experience in the “Secret Annex” that shows the difficulties the Franks faced, as well as courage, wisdom, and hope in the face of adversity.
Lesson Plans by Rebecca Ray
Night is an autobiographical story, depicting Elie Wiesel's survival of the Holocaust as a young boy. In his memoir, he discusses growing up as a devout Jewish boy, and continues the novel through his time spent in Auschwitz, a notorious Nazi concentration camp. Engage students with our premade activities and storyboards.
Lesson Plans by Becky Harvey
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is the story of an innocent and ignorant boy whose father is the commandant of the concentration/death camp Auschwitz in Nazi-controlled Poland during World War II. Engage and educate students using our premade activities and storyboards to spark discussion, questions, and inquiry.
Lesson Plans by Becky Harvey
Number the Stars is a realistic historical fiction that portrays a young Danish girl, Annemarie, during the Nazi occupation. Annemarie’s best friend Ellen and her family are Jewish, and as such, are being hunted by the Nazis. Engage students with premade activities and storyboards with Storyboard That.
By Liane Hicks
The Book Thief is a historical fiction novel written in 2005. The story centers on the life of Liesel Meminger, a young German orphan raised by foster parents during the rise of Hitler and the beginning of World War II. The author chooses Death to be the narrator, as he is able to convey the scope of suffering of the Holocaust as well as describe the emotional story.
By Liane Hicks
Milkweed is an award winning historical fiction novel written in 2003. The story is about a young boy fighting to survive the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. It is a compelling novel that teachers may use to facilitate meaningful discussions with their students about the Holocaust.
By Lauren Ayube
Originally part of a speech, many variations of the poem have circulated since the 1950s. Niemoller wrote these words after he spent seven years in Nazi concentration camps for opposing the Nazi control over churches, and realized the immense mistreatment that Jewish people endured.
Lesson Plans by Anna Warfield
The Holocaust is one of the blackest periods in world history. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl whose family tried to escape persecution and imprisonment by hiding in secret rooms. Anne kept a diary of her experience in the “Secret Annex” that shows the difficulties the Franks faced, as well as courage, wisdom, and hope in the face of adversity.
Lesson Plans by Rebecca Ray
The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal combines a memoir and a symposium on an event that occurred while he was held captive in a Nazi concentration camp.
Lesson Plans by Rebecca Ray
Night is an autobiographical story, depicting Elie Wiesel's survival of the Holocaust as a young boy. In his memoir, he discusses growing up as a devout Jewish boy, and continues the novel through his time spent in Auschwitz, a notorious Nazi concentration camp. Engage students with our premade activities and storyboards.
Lesson Plans by Becky Harvey
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is the story of an innocent and ignorant boy whose father is the commandant of the concentration/death camp Auschwitz in Nazi-controlled Poland during World War II. Engage and educate students using our premade activities and storyboards to spark discussion, questions, and inquiry.
By Liane Hicks
Judaism is one of the oldest continuously practiced religions in the world having begun about 4,000 years ago. Today, Judaism is practiced by about 15 million people worldwide. This ancient religion was the first to be monotheistic (believing in one God) and is the root of today's two largest religions, Christianity and Islam.
Lesson Plans by Matt Campbell
From 1939 to 1942, Hitler’s German war machine strung together a nearly undefeated campaign throughout Europe. In the time period between 1942 and 1945, the world witnessed some of the bloodiest and deadliest war campaigns in history.
Lesson Plans by Matt Campbell
In this unit, students will be introduced to the major events and turning points that occurred between 1939 and 1941.
Lesson Plans by Matt Campbell
The activities in this lesson plain examine how the aftermath of World War I planted the seeds of conflict that brought about World War II. Students will gain an understanding of the leaders in power at the time, the innovations made to warfare and weaponry, and the global influence of the war.
Lesson Plans by Anna Warfield
The Holocaust is one of the blackest periods in world history. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl whose family tried to escape persecution and imprisonment by hiding in secret rooms. Anne kept a diary of her experience in the “Secret Annex” that shows the difficulties the Franks faced, as well as courage, wisdom, and hope in the face of adversity.
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett, Matt Campbell, and John Gillis
The Holocaust was a 20th century genocide of staggering proportions. Over the course of twelve years, the Nazi Party brutally and systematically killed nearly six million Jews and five million other victims. It remains a profoundly tragic chapter of world history. It also remains an important part of history for students to study in order to better understand World War 2 and even current events.
How to Select Appropriate Holocaust Literature
1
Understand the Target Audience and Educational Goals
Identify the age group and reading levels of the students who will be engaging with the Holocaust literature.
Consider the educational goals and learning outcomes you aim to achieve through the literature selection.
2
Research and Evaluate Holocaust Literature
Conduct thorough research to find a range of Holocaust literature options, including novels, memoirs, diaries, and historical accounts.
Evaluate the authenticity, accuracy, and credibility of the literature by consulting reputable sources, reviews, and recommendations.
3
Assess Content and Themes
Examine the content and themes portrayed in the literature to determine its appropriateness for your students.
Consider the sensitive nature of the Holocaust and ensure that the literature handles the subject matter with respect and historical integrity.
4
Consider Age-Appropriateness and Emotional Impact
Assess the level of maturity and emotional readiness of your students.
Select Holocaust literature that is suitable for their age group, taking into account the emotional impact it may have on them.
5
Incorporate Diverse Perspectives and Narratives
Look for Holocaust literature that represents a variety of perspectives, including those of survivors, victims, rescuers, and bystanders.
Seek out literature that highlights diverse experiences, backgrounds, and narratives within the Holocaust context.
6
Consult with Colleagues and Experts
Seek input and recommendations from colleagues, fellow educators, or Holocaust experts who have experience in teaching the subject.
Engage in discussions and professional development opportunities to stay informed about new and noteworthy Holocaust literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holocaust Literature
Why is it important to include Holocaust literature in the classroom?
It is crucial to incorporate Holocaust literature in the classroom as it helps to educate students about one of the most horrific events in history. The Holocaust was a tragic period that resulted in the deaths of millions of people, and it is vital to ensure that we remember and learn from it. By reading literature related to the Holocaust, students can develop empathy, understand the consequences of hatred and discrimination, and learn about the bravery of those who stood up against injustice. It can also help students recognize the importance of tolerance and the need to fight against any form of oppression.
How can teachers approach sensitive topics related to the Holocaust in the classroom?
When teaching about sensitive topics related to the Holocaust, it is essential to approach the subject with sensitivity, empathy, and respect. Teachers should provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students and create opportunities for open dialogue and discussion. It can be helpful to provide background information about the historical context of the Holocaust and the impact it had on different groups of people. Teachers can also provide resources for students who may need additional support or have questions.
What are some activities that can be used in conjunction with Holocaust literature and storyboards?
There are several activities that can be used in conjunction with Holocaust literature and storyboards, including role-playing, debates, creating timelines, and research projects. Students can also create their own storyboards or graphic novels based on their interpretation of the text, write reflective essays or journals, or create multimedia presentations. Teachers can also incorporate related art and music projects, providing students with a diverse range of ways to engage with the material.
What are some examples of Holocaust literature that can be used in the classroom?
There are numerous examples of Holocaust literature that can be used in the classroom, ranging from memoirs and diaries to fiction and poetry. Some popular examples include "The Diary of Anne Frank," "Night" by Elie Wiesel, "Maus" by Art Spiegelman, "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry, and "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" by John Boyne. Educators can choose works that are age-appropriate and align with their teaching goals.
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