Twenty and Ten
What’s inside...
During the German occupation of France, twenty French children in a mountain refuge agree to hide ten Jewish refugee children from the Nazis. Sister Gabriel warns them of the risks and the importance of never betraying the hidden children. When German soldiers arrive, the children must endure interrogations and harassment, testing their resolve to keep their secret safe.
Age
7-11
Length
76 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Janine
Sister Gabrielle
Discussion points
How do you think the children felt when they were hiding the Jewish refugees?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the children in the story?
Why is it important to help others, even if it might be dangerous for us?
How do you think bravery and kindness can impact the world around us?
What does this story teach us about teamwork and sacrifice?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes of bravery and compassion to create an open and inviting discussion environment.
Ask your child to relate the characters' experiences to their own life, which may help them understand the characters' motives and feelings.
Encourage your child to think critically about the choices made by the characters and explore together what other options they might have had.
Highlight real-world connections to the story’s themes, discussing current events or historical instances where similar acts of courage have occurred.
Praise empathetic responses and insights, reinforcing the importance of understanding and caring for others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Twenty and Ten', the children hide and protect ten Jewish children during World War II, demonstrating empathy by understanding and sharing the feelings of others in dangerous situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and consider the feelings of others, helpful in building strong relationships and fostering a caring community.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite the threat of Nazi soldiers, the children in the story display remarkable bravery by risking their own safety to shelter their peers, showing courage can manifest in protecting others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting those who cannot protect themselves, even when it is scary.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The children work together to keep the Jewish refugees hidden, demonstrating that collaboration and teamwork are essential to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that cooperation is key in achieving common goals, and that teamwork can provide solutions that might not be possible individually.
Example Lesson: Sacrifice for the greater good
Explanation: The protagonist, Janet, and her peers sacrifice their safety and share their resources, illustrating the concept of personal sacrifice for the benefit of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of sometimes putting others' needs before their own, such as sharing and helping.
Example Lesson: Resilience in difficult times
Explanation: Despite the severe circumstances, the children remain hopeful and resilient throughout the ordeal. This resilience is evident in their ability to adapt to the challenging situation and find ways to smile.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to remain hopeful and resilient despite difficulties, encouraging them to adapt and overcome obstacles in their lives.