Escape—Teens on the Run: Primary Sources from the Holocaust (True Stories of Teens in the Holocaust)
True Stories Of Teens In The Holocaust Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
This book discusses the experiences of children and teens on the run during the Holocaust in Europe. It explores the different ways young people escaped the Nazis, places of refuge in Europe, and their participation in hiding and resistance. The book shares stories of individuals like Eva, who at seventeen, jumped off a cattle train destined for a Nazi death camp and survived alone on the run after her siblings were killed. Author Linda Jacobs Altman details the harrowing stories of young survivors who escaped the Nazi grasp and survived the war.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the experiences of teens during the Holocaust compare to challenges that teens face today?
What can we learn about courage and resilience from the stories of these young people?
Why is it important to remember and talk about the events of the Holocaust?
How do you think these teens felt during their experiences, and what would you have done in their situation?
What impact does learning about historical events like the Holocaust have on our values and decisions today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the shoes of the teens in the book, exploring their feelings and reactions in different scenarios.
Facilitate a deeper connection to the book by discussing the historical context of the Holocaust before diving into the personal stories of the teens.
Promote critical thinking by discussing the moral choices and consequences faced by individuals during the Holocaust.
Use the book as a starting point to discuss the importance of tolerance, understanding, and diversity in today's world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Through the real-life experiences of teens during the Holocaust, readers learn about the hardships and struggles faced by others during this tragic time in history.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by showing empathy and compassion towards their peers and others who are facing difficulties, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The stories depicted in the book showcase how young individuals displayed immense courage and resilience, despite facing unimaginable horrors.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience, encouraging them to overcome challenges and setbacks in their own lives with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: The importance of history and memory
Explanation: By learning about the firsthand accounts from teens during the Holocaust, readers understand the significance of remembering history and learning from it.
Real-World Application: Children can use this knowledge to recognize the value of history in shaping our present and future, ensuring that the lessons learned are not forgotten.
Example Lesson: Justice and human rights
Explanation: The book touches on themes of justice through the stories of survival and resistance, underlining the necessity of fighting for human rights.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of standing up against injustice and advocating for the rights of all individuals in their day-to-day interactions.