“We're not supposed to be friends, you and me. We're meant to be enemies. Did you know that?“
“We're not supposed to be friends, you and me. We're meant to be enemies. Did you know that?“
This story would be particularly good for older elementary students to read about the Holocaust. I think it would be more impactful for them because the main characters were children who are relatable. This book could introduce them to big topics while still being interesting for students to read.
pickHistorical Fiction- Bruno, a young boy, moves to a location near a concentration camp. He befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy imprisoned there. Through innocent curiosity Bruno develops a friendship with the boy and gains a glimpse of the horrors of the Holocaust. The story ends tragically as both boys are victims of the camp's atrocities.
This story wouldn‘t be one I would use in younger classes however It could be good supplemental material in 5th grade as a chapter read. This story had dark topics and historical context in a different narrative than the general history view point.
“... Despite the mayhem that followed, Bruno found that he was still holding Shmuel's hand in his own and nothing in the world would have persuaded him to let go.“
I would say this book is meant for higher middle school grades. It is a tough emotional read. While it is emotional and sad, it allows for many historical points. You could discuss the Holocaust, concentration camps, propaganda, etc. It gives such a sensitive point of view and should be approached with care.
pickThe Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a historical fiction that takes place in Poland during the times of WWII. It's about two boys who form a friendship through a concentration camp during the Holocaust. It gives a true feel for some of the emotions that were felt in this time period. The book is written mainly from the eyes of Bruno, one of the boys. It allows the reader to visualize the story and feel the feelings of the characters.
pick4.75⭐
𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐒⇩
-This was very hard-hitting, yet it managed to stay YA without compromising its truth.
-This is, quite possibly, the perfect non-fiction story for people who don‘t usually like non-fiction.
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒⇩
-Not necessarily a con but the cover suggests that this has romance but it really doesn‘t.
-Gerta‘s story didn‘t have the gravitation that Rudy‘s did and she often felt like an afterthought.
