On the 27th January we come together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. It is a day for everyone to remember the millions of people who were killed, or whose lives have been changed, by the Holocaust.
When The World Was Ours
Inspired by the true story of bestselling author Liz Kessler`s father’s escape from Nazi-occupied Europe, When The World Was Ours is an extraordinary novel which shows how the bonds of love, family and friendship allow glimmers of hope to flourish, even in the most hopeless of times.
Read Leo's List, an exclusive extract of When The World Was Ours by Liz Kessler (13+)
Read New Rules in School, an exclusive extract of When The World Was Ours by Liz Kessler (13+)
About the author Liz Kessler
Best selling author Liz Kessler was first published in 2003.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap was the first of her series of books for 8 – 12 year olds about a half-mermaid girl, which have now sold over five million copies worldwide, appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers list and been published in over twenty five countries.
Liz has written twenty-three books in total, including two young adult novels and two Early Reader series.
You can follow Liz on Twitter, find her on Facebook, and view her website here.
Learn more about the Holocaust by completing these writing and researching exercises set by Liz:
Creative Writing activity (13+)
Imagine you're part of a group of people who have suddenly become outcasts. Laws are being passed that make your daily life extremely hard.
In Leo’s case, being Jewish suddenly meant that he was no longer allowed to do things that his friends could do.
Think about what it could be about you that has singled you out for harsh treatment?
Perhaps everyone with blue eyes or curly hair or anyone under six foot tall, or everyone whose name begins with ‘S’. Imagine something about you now means you are treated differently to other people.
Write a letter to your best friend telling them about what is happening. Think about:
- What are you no longer allowed to do?
- Is there a list of laws you must now follow?
- How are the laws being put into effect?
- How does it make you feel?
- How are other people responding to you?
- Where do you fear it might all lead and what – if anything – can you do about it?
Research activity. – (13+)
Between 1933 and 1945, the Nazis established many anti-Jewish laws.
These laws were introduced slowly to begin with but became more and more severe and frightening over the years, ultimately leading to what was known as ‘The Final Solution’ – Hitler’s plan to murder all Jews.
Many rules were put in place, much like Leo’s list in When The World Was Ours – can you find examples of these rules?
Then pick two or three of them and look more deeply into these.
Try to find some examples of them being put into practice, look into the effect they had on Jewish people’s lives. See if you can find any examples of real people who were affected by these rules.
You could create a document or presentation on your research, you could write about the lives of people who were affected or you could create an information booklet on what you have found out through your research.