Surviving the Holocaust

Yellow Star

By: Jennifer Roy

Summary:

 Syvia is four and a half years old when she and her family are forced to move into the Lodz Ghetto.  Set in 1939 and spanning the entirety of World War II, this emotionally gripping tale captures the reader from page one.  Syvia tries to make sense of what is happening to her, her friends, and her family as they try to survive the Ghetto.   Author Jennifer Roy delivers a masterpiece that transports the reader to a much darker time in history, while at the same time delivering a message of hope, inspiration, and the power of the human spirit. 

Yellow Star is written in prose and would be a great book for reluctant readers, history buffs, and students interested in World War II. 

Teaching Tips: 

1) "Before assigning Yellow Star, teachers should notify parents/guardians that the Holocaust can be very upsetting/unsettling. Yellow Star has a happy ending, but students still may need to process their feelings.  Enlist the school counselor to be available.  For the more sensitive students, remind them that there are many good people all over the world working to make the world a safer, peaceful place." (Tip from Jennifer Roy)

2) Point out to students that even though the story is written in prose and contains less words than other novels, authors who write in prose choose their words very carefully.  Authors must make sure that their words are impactful and meaningful.  Encourage students to slow down as they read Yellow Star. 

 3) Allow students time to reflect.  This novel is emotional, and students may have questions for you.  Support them emotionally when they need it and academically when they wish to learn more about this topic. 

Additional Resources:

-Jennifer Roy's Website-Contains information about the author, her books, tips for teaching Yellow Star, and links for students. 

-Teaching Books-This website contains audio pronunciation with Jennifer Roy, information about the author, book readings, lesson plans, and author interviews

-Light From the Yellow Star-The Yellow Star Foundation is a 501-3c, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping educate young people about the Holocaust using Dr. Robert Fisch's book, Light From the Yellow Star - A Lesson of Love from the Holocaust.  This website contains resources for teaching the Holocaust, information about Dr. Fisch's book, and links to other Holocaust websites.