When the World Was Ours
on Goodreads (5,429)
What’s inside...
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Windsnap series, Liz Kessler, comes a poignant and harrowing story of three young friends whose fates are intertwined during the devastation of the Holocaust—based on a true story. Three friends. One memory. Vienna. 1936. Three young friends—Leo, Elsa, and Max—spend a perfect day together, unaware that around them Europe is descending into a growing darkness and that they will soon be cruelly ripped apart from one another. With their lives taking them across Europe—to Germany, England, Prague, and Poland—will they ever find their way back to one another? Will they want to? Inspired by a true story, When the World Was Ours is an extraordinary novel that is as powerful as it is heartbreaking and that shows how the bonds of love, family, and friendship allow glimmers of hope to flourish, even in the most hopeless of times.
Age
11-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Leo
Elsa
Max
Discussion points
How did the different settings in the book affect the main characters' lives and choices?
What would you have done if you were in the shoes of one of the main characters?
How does the friendship between the characters change throughout the story?
What did you learn about the importance of hope and resilience from the characters?
In what ways did the characters show courage and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s historical context and its relevance today.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and its characters, fostering a safe space for open discussion.
Use the questions to draw parallels between the characters' decisions and challenges that your child might face in their own life.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book, prompting critical thinking about right and wrong.
Highlight the characters' growth through adversity, underscoring the value of resilience and hope in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: In 'When the World Was Ours', readers journey through the lives of three friends from different backgrounds facing the horrors of World War II together. Their challenges and how they support each other fosters a deep sense of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers, promoting kindness and supportive behavior in their own interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters face incredibly difficult circumstances but continue to strive for survival and protection of their loved ones. This highlights the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to persevere through their own challenges, whether they are big or small, knowing that strength comes through adversity.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Despite the dire circumstances and separation, the bond of friendship remains strong among the characters. This demonstrates the enduring power and support that friendships can offer.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and nurture their friendships, recognizing them as a critical support system in both good and hard times.
Example Lesson: Understanding history
Explanation: The historical backdrop of World War II provides a vivid context for the story, allowing children to learn about significant past events and their impacts on real people.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop a better understanding of history and empathy for those who lived through those times, promoting a more informed perspective on past and current events.