I Survived the Nazi Invasion
on Goodreads (8,625)
What’s inside...
The book tells a story of Max, an 11-year-old boy and his younger sister, Zena struggling for survival during the Nazi invasion in 1944. After the loss of their parents, the siblings face grave dangers while they strive to stay hidden from the Nazis. Despite all odds, Max and Zena display tremendous courage and determination embodying the resilient human spirit.
Why read this book
- Historical events made accessible to young readers.
- Fosters empathy and understanding of resilience.
- Enhances historical knowledge and awareness.
- Encourages discussions about ethics and bravery.
Discussion points
How did the main character's feelings and actions change throughout the story?
Why is it important to remember and learn about historical events like the Nazi Invasion?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the characters?
How did the characters show bravery and resilience?
What did you learn about friendship and teamwork from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a calm and open environment for the discussion, perhaps after reading the book together.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, whether they are of fear, bravery, or confusion. Validate those emotions as a natural response.
Relate the historical context of the book to today’s world to help the child understand the relevance of past events.
Ask your child what they would have done differently from the characters and discuss the moral implications of their choices. This nurtures critical thinking.
Highlight the virtues demonstrated by the characters, like courage and teamwork, and discuss how these can be applied in your child's daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The young protagonists in 'I Survived the Nazi Invasion' demonstrate immense courage and persistence despite the terrifying and challenging circumstances of the Nazi invasion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own personal challenges with bravery and to maintain hope and determination, even in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters show kindness and understanding towards others who are also suffering from the impacts of war, highlighting the importance of supporting one another.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being compassionate towards others, regardless of their circumstances, and fosters a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical events
Explanation: The book provides a child-friendly portrayal of a significant historical event, making it easier for young readers to grasp the realities of World War II and the impact of the Nazi regime.
Real-World Application: This knowledge encourages children to be more aware and educated about historical events, promoting a deeper understanding of the world and its history.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving under pressure
Explanation: The characters often find themselves in high-stakes situations where quick thinking and problem-solving are critical for survival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their day-to-day life, enhancing their decision-making abilities and confidence in handling difficult situations.