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Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch (author of Making Bombs for Hitler) crafts a story of ultimate compassion and sacrifice based on true events during WWII.
The year is 1941. Krystia lives in a small Ukrainian village under the cruel -- sometimes violent -- occupation of the Soviets. So when the Nazis march into town to liberate them, many of Krystia's neighbors welcome the troops with celebrations, hoping for a better life. But conditions don't improve as expected. Krystia's friend Dolik and the other Jewish people in town warn that their new occupiers may only bring darker days. The worst begins to happen when the Nazis blame the Jews for murders they didn't commit. As the Nazis force Jews into a ghetto, Krystia does what she can to help Dolik and his family. But what they really need is a place to hide. Faced with unimaginable tyranny and cruelty, will Krystia risk everything to protect her friends and neighbors? BL 5.5/7 |
CHANCE:
Using a blank sheet of white paper - divide it down the middle. Label one side "Now" and the other side "Then". "Travel" back to Krystia's Ukrainian village and fill in facts such as date, location, government/leaders, food, clothing, etc under the "Then" side. For "Now," research a place where children are experiencing war or suffering (e.g. Darfur, Sudan, Baghdad, Iraq). Fill in the same fact. Linking today's world with the past can help you to see that history is ongoing, and only by learning and remembering can we change the future for the better.
Using a blank sheet of white paper - divide it down the middle. Label one side "Now" and the other side "Then". "Travel" back to Krystia's Ukrainian village and fill in facts such as date, location, government/leaders, food, clothing, etc under the "Then" side. For "Now," research a place where children are experiencing war or suffering (e.g. Darfur, Sudan, Baghdad, Iraq). Fill in the same fact. Linking today's world with the past can help you to see that history is ongoing, and only by learning and remembering can we change the future for the better.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE:
Krystia and her mother took on an enormous challenge when they hid Mr. Segal, Dolik and Leon under their stove. Would you be willing to do something this risky for your neighbors? We don't have to hide our neighbors, but we are faced with many similar situations in which we need to stand up for what is right and be an ally for our community. What is something that has happened recently that you've heard of in the news that reminds you of Krystia and her mother? How have people been brave and stood up for those who needed help? Create a complete picture of one such instance. DON'T just draw one thing, but a picture that tells a story. Use some words to show what the drawing is about. Has our world changed that much from 1941?
Krystia and her mother took on an enormous challenge when they hid Mr. Segal, Dolik and Leon under their stove. Would you be willing to do something this risky for your neighbors? We don't have to hide our neighbors, but we are faced with many similar situations in which we need to stand up for what is right and be an ally for our community. What is something that has happened recently that you've heard of in the news that reminds you of Krystia and her mother? How have people been brave and stood up for those who needed help? Create a complete picture of one such instance. DON'T just draw one thing, but a picture that tells a story. Use some words to show what the drawing is about. Has our world changed that much from 1941?
Activity 3:
Dr. Mina had several things that made her an unusual character.
Dr. Mina had several things that made her an unusual character.
- She was a woman
- She was Jewish
- She stayed in the ghetto even though she had a chance to escape
- She cared more for her patients than she did for herself