Out of Hiding
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
on Goodreads (2,631)
What’s inside...
Ruth Gruener was a hidden child during the Holocaust. At the end of the war, she and her parents were overjoyed to be free, but their struggles as displaced people had just begun. In war-ravaged Europe, they waited for paperwork to come to America. Once in Brooklyn, they built a new life but spoke little English. Ruth started at a new school and faced challenges making friends while dealing with nightmares and flashbacks of her time during World War II. The family's perseverance exemplifies the American dream and highlights the difficulties faced by millions of immigrants post-trauma. This compelling human account connects to refugee and immigrant experiences worldwide today, with a foreword by Alan Gratz.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
145 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ruth Minkowski
Mother Minkowski
Franciszka
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character feel like they needed to hide?
How did the character change throughout the story, and what do you think caused this change?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the main character? What did you do?
What does 'bravery' mean to you after reading this story?
If you were friends with the main character, what advice would you have given them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow children to express their thoughts and relate personal experiences to the story.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the characters felt during key moments in the book.
Highlight the growth of the characters to help children understand the concept of personal development and resilience.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used in the book and ask your child how they might handle similar situations.
Listen actively to your child’s responses, affirming their feelings and thoughts to foster a deeper connection and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Out of Hiding' demonstrates courage by facing fears and overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for themselves or others.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters learn to trust and rely on each other, proving that teamwork and friendship are invaluable.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of building and maintaining friendships, helping them develop social skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The main characters persist despite challenges, showing how resilience leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying even when things are tough, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: The characters learn the importance of being truthful to themselves and others.
Real-World Application: This promotes integrity in day-to-day interactions and teaches children the impacts of their choices on relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story emphasizes understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering a nurturing environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more considerate and responsive to the emotions and experiences of those around them.