Book Links- Prisoner B-3087- A Will to Live in the Most Challenging of Times

I have taught this subject through novels to 5th and 6th graders for over 32 years plus have studied with a world-renowned expert in the field who teaches at a college near my location.  I also have experience bringing a survivor of this time period to my classes to speak to students and adults from home for over 20 years.  I have no plans to bring in a guest speaker at this time as the guest speakers that I use prefer to speak to groups larger than 10 people although learners can certainly check out the Shiloh project, Originated by Steven Spielberg, containing
thousands of audio and video recordings stored at the Holocaust Museum of Washington DC In order to hear firsthand from survivors.I am aware of the questions that can arise, the thoughts students bring forward and the emotions. My past experience leads to a very strong and solid understanding of the types of responses that can occur during a book like this and the sensitivity that is needed to make this a safe environment for everybody.

For session 1- read  pages 1-94
For session 2- read pages 95-165
For session 3- read pages 166 to end , including Afterward

55 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 1 - 2 hours per week outside of class.

The spellbinding story is based on a true and deep removing tale of Jack Gruener As recalled by Jack and his wife Ruth, Both having survived the horrendous experiences of the holocaust and we’re than married over 60 years until Jack’s passing in 2017. Bruce still visits schools today throughout our country to speak about experiences in the holocaust and the critical importance of remembering this event so that it does not occur again in the world.

As alternate sources, one may want to check out Ruth’s memoir in titled Out of Hiding. One can also find factual information that Jack, for a time, worked at the enamel factory where a German businessman Mr. Schindler leder went on to save hundreds of Jews from extermination. The story of Schindler’s list press other multiple books of his incredible braveness and accomplishments might be an alternate source you wish to look at with your learner. Jack continued on to survive nine more concentration camps against all odds. This novel briefly touches upon the fact that he came face-to-face with Josef Mengele, And although this book does not go into more detail other than a moment when Mr. Mengele is pointing to the left and to the right at each prisoner, in other words who shall survive and hooch on that, there are many multiple sources that one can read about him.

Finally, following Jack’s trail to the United States and his rebuilding after the loss of so many in his family and in his entire country and beyond, again there are multiple sources that show the resilience and strength, along with tremendous odds, during the rebuilding of one’s life after such a horrific time.

 In terms of sources from different perspectives, I am not aware of any that would support the factual information that occurred during this time period. The important thing is the sensitivity and understanding from the teacher and dealing with the situation and remembering the key lesson of the importance of learning about history so that these horrific events do not repeat themselves.