Friedrich
The New windmill series
on Goodreads (4,616)
What’s inside...
Friedrich and his best friend were growing up in Germany in the early 1930s. At first, Friedrich seemed to be the more fortunate, but when Hitler came to power, things began to change. Friedrich was expelled from school and became an orphan when his mother died and his father was arrested and deported. This is a terrifying story of the destruction of a single Jewish family. When Friedrich Schneider was eight years old Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. Some Germans welcomed the new leader, but not Friedrich or his father and mother - because the Schneiders were Jews. This is a stark and tragic story showing how the Nazis in Germane stripped the Jews of their rights and then destroyed them. It is a terrible indictment of racial hatred.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Friedrich Schneider
Herr Schneider
Narrator'S Mother
The Narrator'S Father
The Unnamed Narrator
Frau Schneider
Herr Resch
Discussion points
How did Friedrich's actions show his bravery and commitment to his beliefs?
What can we learn from the way Friedrich faced challenges in the story?
How do you think you would feel if you were in Friedrich’s situation?
What are some ways you can help others, similar to how Friedrich helped his friends?
Why is it important to stand up for what you believe is right, even when it's difficult?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate Friedrich’s experiences to their own life by asking how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral decisions Friedrich makes and ask your child what they would do differently, and why.
Focus on the feelings and motivations of different characters to help your child understand different perspectives.
Use real-world examples to connect the themes of the story to everyday life, enhancing understanding and empathy.
Praise your child's insights and responses to foster a supportive environment for discussing sensitive topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist faces several challenges but continues to strive towards their goals, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in school, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Characters in the book support and care for each other, highlighting the strength found in relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to nurture and value their friendships, which can provide emotional support and joy.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the beauty and importance of the natural world around the characters.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and protect the environment, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The characters often venture into new situations with bravery, showing how to handle fear and uncertainty.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace new experiences, such as making new friends or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, actions taken by the characters lead to various outcomes, teaching the concept of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think about how their actions might affect themselves and others, promoting responsible decision-making.