Presentation Notes
The novel is a graphic novel whereby six survivors of the Holocaust present to the world of literature their personal experiences of survival amidst sufferings and upheaval (Shackleton, 3). In the presentation notes herein, the focus is primarily directed to the specifics, themes and the importance of studying Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Extraordinary Children By Kath Shackleton and illustrated by Zane Whittingham.
The Specifics
- Heinz, a German Teenager, joins his brother after their father and others are arrested as alien foes.
- Trude, a nine-year-old escape to England coming from Czechoslovakia, is disconnected from her parents.
- Ruth and her mother escape to England from Eastern Germany.
- Martin an eight-year-old and his family were part of the targeted Polish-born Jews, through kinder transport they fled with his sister.
- Suzanne in the countryside in France lives hidden
- Arek, a Polish child, becomes imprisoned at Auschwitz.
Themes
As it goes back in time, the book presents to young readers mainly through graphics on the dark themes of:
- Death
- War and its effects
- Suffering and Hope in tragedies.
- Courage and Personal Testimonials.
Relevancy
The book is important in that it teaches children various critical historical events. It is crucial, therefore, because:
- The graphic novel shows on the persecution of Jews that was carried out by Hitler’s Nazi party.
- This novel features photographs of the contributors in the current state; therefore teaching on the resilience to continue hoping and courageously facing life.
- It is through the novel that the cross-section of experiences teaches the society on the effects that war and greed result.
Work Cited
Shackleton, Kath, ed. Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children. Sourcebooks Explore, 2019.