NAZIS STRIKE AGAIN: HOLLAND
Four Perfect Pebbles
YOU CAN SURVIVE WITH FAMILY, AND GET THROUGH A STRUGGLE WITH HOPE.
"Four perfect pebbles. One for each of us." This quote shows symbolism between the pebbles and the family; as long as the pebbles are there, they'll keep the family together.
"And when Jewish blood spurts from the knife, then things will again go well!" This quote was from a Nazi marching song; even though the line was about killing a Jew, it gave the family more of a reason to fight. It was a reminder not to lose hope in this time of struggle. The theme of this book relates to the one of the book The Outsiders, because Johnny survived with the only known family to him- his Greasers. He got through the one of the roughest times of his life by hope given to him from his best friend, Ponyboy.
Life After Holland
"We could see now that our escape to Holland had not been an escape at all. Instead we had been caught in a trap." This quote shows that escaping to Holland would only put them right where they were trying to escape from. After the Nazis' go to Holland, the Jews there are capture and put into concentration camps, just like the Blumenthal family.
Perfect Pebbles
"If she could find four pebbles of almost exactly the same size and shape, it meant that her family would remain whole. Mama and Papa and she and Albert would survive Bergen-Belsen. The four of them might even survive the Nazis' attempt every last Jew in Europe." This mean that no matter what happened, the family would always be together. The pebbles were a symbol of hope. They'd be able to get through that struggle. They may not have had that freedom and acceptance they needed, but they had love, hope, and family.
Jewish Star
"But of course, they must wear the yellow Star of David high up on the left side of the chest, as they had been forced to do so for many years now." This shows that they weren't treated equal, so they had to be marked; whoever was "unworthy to live" must be marked with the star. No matter what, they all carried out hope.
About the Author
- A Notable Children's Book in the Field of Social Studies
- An ALA Notable Book
- An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- "Best of the Bunch Sydney Taylor Award Committee/Association of Jewish Librarians
- IRA Young Adults Choice
- Peoria Reads 2004 for Middle Schools