Rose Blanche
illustrations by
on Goodreads (2,067)
What’s inside...
Rose Blanche was the name of a group of young German citizens who, at their peril, protested against the war. Like them, Rose observes all the changes going on around her which others choose to ignore. She watches as the streets of her small German town fill with soldiers. One day she sees a little boy escaping from the back of a truck, only to be captured by the mayor and shoved back into it. Rose follows the truck to a desolate place out of town, where she discovers many other children, staring hungrily from behind an electric barbed wire fence. She starts bringing the children food, instinctively sensing the need for secrecy, even with her mother. Until the tide of the war turns and soldiers in different uniforms stream in from the East, and Rose and the imprisoned children disappear forever.
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rose Blanche
Discussion points
How did Rose Blanche's actions show bravery and compassion?
Why do you think Rose kept returning to the camp?
What feelings do you think Rose experienced during the story?
How can we help others who are in difficult situations?
What can this story teach us about history and humanity?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the historical context before starting the discussion to help your child understand the setting and circumstances.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book openly. Validate their feelings and offer comfort if they feel upset.
Relate questions to personal experiences where possible. For example, discuss a time when your child helped someone and how it made them feel.
Highlight Rose's qualities and actions, and encourage your child to think about how they can embody similar characteristics in their daily life.
Discuss the importance of history and learning from it to understand and appreciate the present and future.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist, Rose Blanche, demonstrates deep compassion and empathy for the suffering she witnesses during the war. Moved by the plight of those around her, she chooses to act, showing kindness to others despite the risks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of recognizing when others are in need and taking actions, however small, to help. This could be as simple as comforting a friend who is upset or sharing toys with others.
Example Lesson: Courage and moral integrity
Explanation: Rose Blanche exhibits immense bravery and a strong sense of right and wrong as she secretly brings food to children in a concentration camp. Her actions underline the importance of standing up for what one believes is morally correct, even in the face of danger.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stand firm on their beliefs and make courageous choices. This can apply to standing up against bullying or speaking out when they witness unfair treatment.
Example Lesson: Impact of war on humanity
Explanation: The book exposes the harsh realities of war through the eyes of a child, depicting how it affects innocent lives. This representation helps children understand the significant impact of war.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop a historical perspective and foster discussions at home or school about the importance of peace and the effects of conflict on communities.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and questioning
Explanation: Rose Blanche’s journey is one of discovery and questioning the world around her. She does not take things at face value and seeks to uncover the truth on her own.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek truth in their everyday lives. This can mean questioning what they hear on the news, from friends, or in school to form their own informed opinions.