The Storm to Come (My Story)
My Royal Story, My Story: Girls Series
on Goodreads (61)
What’s inside...
As the Holocaust begins to unfold from a brutal plan into a nightmare reality, two nine-year-old boys, one German, one Jewish, find themselves living in a hell-on-earth where children come home from school to find their parents gone, where sometimes school isn't even safe, and no one, but no one can be trusted. Originally written in 1940, this book chillingly anticipates the terror of the storm to come. Emil and Karl are best friends. Emil is a Jew; Karl isn't. When three men take Karl's mother away, who knows where, and the Nazis murder Emil's father, the two boys find themselves alone and scared, wandering in an increasingly hostile city. Who can they trust and where can they go?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt during the storm? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What do you think the main message of the story is, and why is it important?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the main character?
How can we help others when they are facing difficult times like in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when asking questions to create a comfortable environment for open discussion.
Relate the story to personal experiences or current events to make the themes more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to foster creativity and deeper understanding of the character's motives.
Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings and opinions to boost confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Discuss the story’s illustrations and how they contribute to the narrative, enhancing their observation and interpretation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Storm to Come' faces numerous challenges but continues to persevere, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying and working towards their goals, despite difficulties they might face in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the central characters support each other in tough times, illustrating the value of true friends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to cherish and support their friends in real life, fostering strong, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the story often step into each other’s shoes, showing readers how to understand different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards their peers and family members, helping them build stronger emotional connections.
Example Lesson: Courage to embrace change
Explanation: As the characters adapt to shifting circumstances, they teach the reader about the courage needed to embrace change.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open to new experiences and changes in life, such as moving to a new place or starting at a new school.