The Story That Will Stay in My Heart Forever

     I had waited for months, then weeks, then days, and then finally I was able to buy the book that I was longing to read. A few months ago, I saw that a book was coming out about the youngest boy to be on Oscar Schindler's list during the Holocaust. My heart hurts just thinking that this happened let alone that there was a boy that was twelve years old when he had to fight to simply live. I went out and bought this book as soon as I was able.
    The book is "The Boy in The Wooden Boy" by Leon Leyson. The book tells of his entire life. Basically, his whole childhood was dictated by the Holocaust, and the fact that he was Jewish. What is special about this book is that the story is told in complete detail from a boys perspective. I believe he was about six when things started to change and he was twelve he was really swept up in the terror of the Holocaust. I don't think any other story has reached out to me the way that this has. This story has woven its way into my heart in a way that I don't think I will every forget.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Boy-Wooden-Box-Impossible/dp/1442497815/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378339720&sr=8-1&keywords=the+boy+in+the+wooden+box

     The reason I am telling you this story is because this is a children's book. I recently read an article about how the diary of Anne Frank doesn't connect with students the way it used too. It gave a list of books that could bring the Holocaust to life for the students again and so they would understand the horrible things that took place during this time. I think that this book may be the book that this generation needs to understand what really happens. I also think that this book is an amazing way to introduce children to this amazing historical figure that is often not talked about in class. Oscar Schindler is someone I personally didn't know about until high school. This book could bring this man into the classroom so much sooner. This book is suitable for children as young as 5th or 6th grade. I think that this could actually bring light into one of the darkest times in history. The way Leyson writes about Schindler is heart breaking, up lifting, and gives me hope that there are hero's in the world.

Oscar Schindler

Leon Leyson

     I think that this book is perfect to bring into the classroom. It opens up the discussion of how painful things have been in history, and what we can do to try to prevent these terrible thing from ever happening again. I know that I will be passing this book along to all of the teachers I know. Leyson teaches his readers to be brave and how to survive even when it seems that things can not get worse. This book gives me strength... it gives me hope... it makes me want to live a life that makes me a better person.

     I wanted to add a few books that I have read that remind me of this book, and that have taught me about the Holocaust.

1. The Diary of Anne Frank

     I read this when I was 12. Just recently, I was subbing in a 8th grade classroom, we were reading the play of Anne Frank and it suddenly hit me that these students were not making a connection to her at all. I love Anne. She is someone that I have always looked up to and have felt a close connection too. For this, I took it upon myself to make sure that every one in that class made connection to this time in history. From the reactions I got from the students, I think that I was able to do so.

2. Number the Stars By Lois Lowry

 I will be honest, I haven't read this in a number of years, but I plan on re-reading it next. Look for my thoughts in the comments area if you are interested.

3. The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas by John Boyne

     I think that this book will haunt me for the rest of my life. I read this in a couple of hours, in my sophomore year of high school. After reading it, I was filled with anger and sadness, but I did feel that I had made closer connection to something that was so horrible in history. This was also made into a movie that breaks my heart. Visually, this is one of the most haunting things that you will ever see.                   

                                     

3. The Book Thief By Markus Zusak

     This book is about to be a big deal. It is being made into a movie this fall and from what I have seen from the trailer it is going to be heart breaking. I haven't read the book yet, but I plan on doing so very soon. I will also let you know how I feel about it in the comment section. 

                               

    That is all for this Wednesday. I hope that you enjoy. Please leave comments and let me know what you are thinking about today's post. I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the books listed or maybe even on what you are thinking about "The Book Thief" trailer. I hope that you will read "The Boy in the Wooden Box". It's an eye opening, heart breaking story that will stay in your heart forever. This story is a true inspiration.

                                                                           Happy Reading,

                                                                               Ms. Cara

PS here is the article that I was talking about in the beginning..http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-sachs/who-needs-anne-frank_b_2792802.html