In chapter 11, at the bottom of the page it states...
"But their shoulders were as straight as they had been in the past: in the classroom, on the stage, at the Sabbath table. So there were other sources, too, of pride, and they had not left everything behind."
This passage in the story was when the Jews were leaving Uncle Henrik's house to get on his boat to go to Sweden. I was thinking, can you imagine having to leave everything you have behind and go somewhere to start your life all over? I'm scared about graduating college and having to leave my zone of comfort. This story really makes you think about how fortunate you really are. This story would be great to have students feel appreciative of what they have. It would be a great idea to have children write a thank-you letter to their guardians about what they are thankful for.
I agree that having to leave everything you have behind and go somewhere to start your life all over must be extemely difficult. However, this move to Sweden was their key to survival. It meant life or death for their entire family. If I was in this situation, I would be deeply saddened. Yet, also deeply releaved that I didn't have to hide anymore and be apart from my family. The death and torment of Jews was much more inhumane and life shattering than relocating.
Posted by: Tessie Connor | November 08, 2003 at 06:59 PM