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

What kinds of discrimination existed during World War II? How was some discrimination during that time related to religion and culture? What kinds of attacks did England suffer from during the war?

Teaching Suggestion: Jacob, the protagonist of the story, learns that his grandfather Abraham was moved to a children’s home in Britain during World War II to escape Nazi Germany. Consider discussing populations targeted by Nazi Germany during World War II and life on the British home front. These and similar resources might aid in preparation for class or small group discussions.

• This article describes the Nazi ideology of race, includes propaganda circulated in Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, and explains the origins of the concept of the Aryan race.
• This 14-minute video describes life on the British home front during World War II.

Short Activity

Use guiding questions to discuss extended family and the role extended family members might play in development and relationships. This activity introduces the theme of Family that is developed in the novel.