What the Night Sings
What’s inside...
A teen Holocaust survivor, must come to terms with who she is and how to rebuild her life. After losing her family and everything she knew in the Nazi concentration camps, Gerta is finally liberated, only to find herself completely alone. Without her Papa, her music, or even her true identity, she must move past the task of surviving and onto living her life. In the displaced persons camp where she is staying, Gerta meets Lev, a fellow teen survivor who she just might be falling for, despite her feelings for someone else. With a newfound Jewish identity she never knew she had, and a return to the life of music she thought she lost forever, Gerta must choose how to build a new future.
Age
12-17
Length
266 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gerta Rausch
Micha
Lev
Discussion points
How do you think Gerta's experiences during and after the Holocaust shape her understanding of identity and loss?
What role does music play in Gerta's life and recovery throughout the story?
Why do you think it's important for Gerta to form new relationships after her ordeals?
In what ways do you think hope and resilience are portrayed in 'What the Night Sings'?
How do you feel about the choices Gerta makes throughout her journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child how they felt about the story.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they might feel in Gerta’s situation or how they would cope with similar challenges.
Discuss the historical context of the book, explaining the significance of the Holocaust and its impact.
Highlight the importance of resilience and hope, discussing with your child ways people can overcome hardships.
Use music as a conversation starter. Discuss how music can influence our emotions and help us heal, much like it does for Gerta.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Gerta, demonstrates resilience as she rebuilds her life after surviving the Holocaust. Her journey of self-discovery and healing showcases her unwavering strength.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and overcoming challenges, inspiring them to face their own difficulties with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: The power of music as a form of expression and healing
Explanation: Music plays a pivotal role in Gerta’s recovery and in finding her identity. It serves as a solace and a way to connect with others, transcending language and pain.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and appreciate music and other forms of art as powerful tools for self-expression and emotional healing.
Example Lesson: The importance of embracing one’s identity
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Gerta struggles with her identity as a Jewish survivor. Her journey towards embracing her heritage is a significant theme.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of understanding and accepting their own identity, and encourages them to appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds of others.
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy towards others
Explanation: Gerta’s interactions with other characters, including other survivors, highlight themes of compassion and understanding, as they support each other through their traumas.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of showing empathy and kindness, fostering a supportive community where children learn to help and understand each other.
Example Lesson: The significance of hope and future-oriented thinking
Explanation: Despite the bleakness of her past, Gerta’s focus on building a future for herself symbolizes hope and the possibility of renewal.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to remain hopeful and optimistic, even in tough times, and to work towards creating a positive future for themselves and others.