Impossible Escape
#4 of 4 in Time Twisters Series
What’s inside...
From three-time National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor author Steve Sheinkin, a true story of two Jewish teenagers racing against time during the Holocaust—one in hiding in Hungary, and the other in Auschwitz, plotting escape.
It is 1944. A teenager named Rudolph (Rudi) Vrba has made up his mind. After barely surviving nearly two years in the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, he knows he must escape. Even if death is more likely.
Rudi has learned the terrible secret hidden behind the heavily guarded fences of concentration camps across Nazi-occupied Europe: the methodical mass killing of Jewish prisoners. As trains full of people arrive daily, Rudi knows that the murders won’t stop until he reveals the truth to the world—and that each day that passes means more lives are lost.
Lives like Rudi’s schoolmate Gerta Sidonová. Gerta’s family fled from Slovakia to Hungary, where they live under assumed names to hide their Jewish identity. But Hungary is beginning to cave under pressure from German Nazis. Her chances of survival become slimmer by the day.
The clock is ticking. As Gerta inches closer to capture, Rudi and his friend Alfred Wetzler begin their crucial steps towards an impossible escape.
This is the true story of one of the most famous whistleblowers in the world, and how his death-defying escape helped save over 100,000 lives.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to plan their escape?
How did the characters work together to overcome obstacles?
What were some of the challenges the characters faced, and how did they handle them?
If you were in the story, what role would you choose to play during the escape plan?
What did you learn about bravery and teamwork from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set aside a specific time to discuss the book, possibly after finishing each chapter, to keep the details vivid.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, identifying with the characters’ emotions and actions.
Ask your child to predict future events in the book or to think about alternative endings.
Relate the story to real-life events or personal experiences to deepen the understanding of the book’s themes.
Praise your child’s insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Impossible Escape', characters must collaborate to solve problems and overcome obstacles, emphasizing the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or projects at school, learning to value each person’s contribution.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book presents characters with complex challenges that require logical reasoning and strategic planning, fostering critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems thoughtfully in their daily activities, enhancing decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the story face setbacks and failures, yet continue to strive towards their goals, exemplifying resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties in their own lives, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The storyline encourages thinking outside the box to escape from challenging situations, showcasing the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination in play, school projects, or while solving everyday problems.
Example Lesson: Ethics
Explanation: Through characters' decisions and actions, 'Impossible Escape' explores ethical dilemmas, teaching right from wrong.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop a moral compass, guiding their choices and interactions with others.