Waiting for Anya
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The story is set in a small village in the mountains during World War II, where a young boy named Jo discovers Jewish children being hidden by a widow named Anya. Jo becomes involved in a dangerous mission to smuggle the children across the border to safety.
Age
10-14
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jo
Benjamin
Madame Horcada
The Corporal
Discussion points
What do you think made Jo decide to help Jewish children escape?
How do you think the villagers felt about risking their safety to help others?
What qualities do you admire in Anya, and why?
Can you imagine what you might have done if you were in Jo's situation?
How do you think trust played a role in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s central theme of courage and discuss what courage means to your child.
Encourage your child to think about other characters, not just the protagonists, and their feelings and motivations throughout the story.
Ask your child to relate the story's events or moral lessons to their own experiences at school or with friends.
Discuss the historical context of the story, emphasizing the importance of empathy and bravery.
Focus on understanding, rather than right or wrong answers, promoting an open and honest discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Jo, displays immense bravery as he helps smuggle Jewish children across the border during WWII.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of standing up for what is right, even when faced with challenges. This encourages them to act with bravery in difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The impact of compassion
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters display acts of kindness and compassion towards one another, emphasizing the importance of these qualities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being empathetic and helping others, which fosters a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Jo and the villagers work together to protect the children, demonstrating how collaboration is crucial to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to collaborate and value teamwork, which can be applied in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience during tough times
Explanation: Characters in the book endure hard times but remain hopeful and resilient, showing the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain resilient in face of personal challenges, whether in academics, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity
Explanation: Jo's unwavering decision to help the children despite the risks involved highlights the importance of maintaining moral integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of sticking to one’s moral principles, even when it’s not the easiest path.