Extension Ideas
Now that you have had a chance to look over the materials in this pathfinder, I hope you have a better understanding of the Holocaust and the people it affected. Below are some ideas to further your exploration and thoughts regarding these issues. I have also tried to incorporate an idea or theme from The Book Thief in most of the ideas as well.
Start a Book Club
Liesel was fascinated by literature and loved to read once she learned how to. She spent many late nights with her Papa reading The Grave Diggers Handbook or other books she had stolen. Explore literature as Liesel did and start a book club! Use the books listed in this pathfinder or even ones that you find one your own as a reading list for the group. You could even see about viewing movies as well. As a group, discuss if you liked the book/movie or not. What important themes did it bring up? How would you feel if you were a character of a book/movie? Do a Google search for reader guides for help on discussion questions. Talk your school or public librarian. I’m sure they would love to help you set something up.
Create Your Own Story
You went searching for information on the Holocaust because of a book your read. Why not write something yourself? You could write a novel, short story, poetry, journal, or even screen play...whatever way you wish to express yourself. Take the information and stories that you’ve read and watched and make them your own. What would your story be if you had lived in this time? Would you be ones of those prosecuted? Would you survive? Or maybe you were a soldier struggling to follow orders. What were you feeling? Did you try to fight? The possibilities are limitless! Talk to your local librarian or teacher once you’ve finished. There may be local publications, memorials, or open mic nights that you could use to share it with others.
Create an Altered Book
Do as Max did with Mein Kampf and alter a book to create your own story. Check out local used book stories for books to alter. They usually offer a variety of books for low cost. You can alter the book in many ways to be used for journals, scrap books, or any variety of artistic expression. One idea could be to collect stories and pictures from the Holocaust and retell their story as a scrap book. Try to limit the text though. While words can be powerful, sometimes photos and other visual effects can bring on stronger emotions. Below are some websites that give instructions and ideas on creating an altered book. If you want to find even more idea, try a Google search for “Altered Books” or ask your librarian about books that may be in your library.
How to Create an Altered book, Creativity Portal
Online Art Magazine
Suite 101
eHow.com
How to Choose an Book to Alter
Make an Altered Book
Create a Picture
In The Book Thief Death is obsessed with colors. His way of creating a distraction/vacation is to focus on the colors around him. Usually it was just one color. Imagine you were Death during the Holocaust, what would you see? What color(s) would come into focus? The first thing that may pop into your head is red for death, but try to think beyond that. You could create your picture many ways. For example, you could print out pictures of the Holocaust and paste them to a poster board, canvas, or wood and paint over them with the color(s) you believe you would see. Or you could even paint or draw your own picture using only the color(s) you would envision. Another possibility, if you have the space, props and time is to create your own Holocaust scene and take photographs of it. You could use an art program, like Photoshop, to change the colors or apply artistic filters to it.
If you think the color idea is too hard or you just cannot work with it artistically, why not just create a normal picture? You could use the same idea above without worrying about the focus being on just a couple of colors. Once you finish the picture you may want to share it. Talk to you librarian or teacher, they will be able to suggest places that have displays that you could submit it to. They may even be creating their own display that you could add the picture into!
Interview/Talk with a Survivor
Sure you’ve watched lots of video of interviews that other have done, but why not do one yourself? Being able to talk one-on-one with someone about their experience is much better than watching any video. It’ll be your chance to find out more about what YOU want to know. Talk with a parent, teacher, or librarian about what questions to ask. Remember, this was a very traumatic time for many and you don’t want to ask any inappropriate questions. Be sure to take a tape recorder or video camera along with you. If you don’t own one, talk to your school or public librarian there may be a chance that you can check out one for the day, especially if you donate a copy to the library! After all, many Holocaust survivors are older and this is a way to ensure future generations will know their stories. If you need help finding a survivor, try asking a librarian or local historian to point you in the right direction. You could also try contacting the Registry of Holocaust Survivors (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum) for local survivors in your area.
