Book details
Yellow Star
Description
"In 1945 the war ended. The Germans surrendered, and the ghetto was liberated. Out of over a quarter of a million people, about 800 walked out of the ghetto. Of those who survived, only twelve were children. I was one of the twelve." For more than fifty years after the war, Syvia, like many Holocaust survivors, did not talk about her experiences in the Lodz ghetto in Poland. She buried her past in order to move forward. But finally she decided it was time to share her story, and so she told it to her niece, who has re-told it here using free verse inspired by her aunt. This is the true story of Syvia Perlmutter-a story of courage, heartbreak, and finally survival despite the terrible circumstances in which she grew up. A timeline, historical notes, and an author's note are included.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
256 pages
Why to read
- Educational Value: 'Yellow Star' provides a poignant historical account of the Holocaust from the perspective of a young Jewish girl, Syvia Perlmutter. Reading this book can educate individuals about the atrocities of the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and the dangers of discrimination.
- Emotional Connection: The narrative is written in verse, which creates a powerful and emotional connection with the reader. The story of survival and resilience can inspire and deeply affect those who engage with Syvia's experiences during a dark period in history.
- Cultural Significance: 'Yellow Star' is an important contribution to the body of literature that preserves the memories of Holocaust survivors. Understanding these personal stories is crucial for honoring the victims and ensuring that such events are not forgotten or repeated.
- Literary Merit: Jennifer Roy's unique approach to telling Syvia's story through free verse poetry has been praised for its creativity and accessibility. The book has received numerous accolades and can be appreciated for its artistic and literary qualities as well as its historical content.