Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What does the word “holocaust” mean generally, and what has the Holocaust come to mean historically? How did the events of the Holocaust impact the lives of millions of people, and why is it important to remember this today?

Teaching Suggestion: Since there will be varying degrees of familiarity with the topic, consider beginning with a Know-Wonder-Learn Chart or small group discussion for each part of the question to gauge prior knowledge. Some students may have a surface understanding of the event but may not know the historical context behind why Jews and other minority groups were targeted.

• This article from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum describes International Holocaust Day, including a timeline and the various commemoration ceremonies.
• This article from the National WWII Museum explains what the Holocaust was, what happened in concentration camps, and who the victims were.

2. How does historical fiction help us understand the experiences of individuals during significant historical periods? How can storytelling and literature provide insights into historical events?