The Meaning Behind the Yellow Star:
    A Young Adult Holocaust Pathfinder


Introduction

So, you've just finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Maybe you've even gone to Random House's site or looked up some reader's guide questions. But it's not enough is it? You want to know more...more about about the Holocaust, about the 6 million Jews that were murdered, about those that survived, and about those who helped along the way.

Well, you've come to the right place. This pathfinder was created just for you. It contains keywords, websites, databases, books, videos and more that will help deepen your understanding of the atrocities that happened during the Holocaust and WWII. There is even a page that will give you ideas on how to further use the The Book Thief and information gained from the materials in this pathfinder. Liked materials are grouped together on their own page. You can move back and forth through the pages as you wish. However, I would recommend starting on the definition/keyword page. It will give you a quick definition/history on the Holocaust, which will give you a better knowledge of the materials you are looking at. It may also be a good idea to revisit the page after you've looked at all the materials to obtains keywords/Dewey numbers to further your search

The materials listed in this pathfinder are in no way a comprehensive list. It is just a small sample of materials that are available on the Holocaust. Materials selected focus on the Holocaust, the survivors, and those who helped the persecuted along the way. The main goal is to give a you a stronger sense and idea what it would have been like to be a youth during the Holocaust.

Most materials are aimed for Young Adults, roughly grades 7 -12. Some adult materials were selected because their inclusion strengthened the pathfinder, especially within books and films. However, age levels are included in all book and film materials. I encourage you consult with your parent/guardian before selecting material that may be above your age level as many stories and images can be graphic. Every effort was made to include materials that easily accessed online or that received favorable reviews and are still in print/can be easily purchased or that can be easily obtained at a local library.

Andrea Sowers, 02/18/08