Dear Educators,
The Safest Lie by Angela Cerrito is an ideal book to be used in fifth and sixth grade classrooms. The story is about a Jewish girl, Anna Bauman, who must disguise herself to escape from the Polish ghetto during World War 2. Taking on another name, Anna goes into hiding and must scramble to survive as the Nazis round up the Jews during the Holocaust.
The book can be tied to the curriculum in multiple ways. Primarily, the book is based on a true story and can easily be tied to a related unit in history class. The story, as told from the point of view of a nine year old girl, is readily accessible to students at this age. Students will relate to Anna's voice and sympathize with the difficult choices she must make as she hides. Discussions on identity, truth vs. lies, disguise, sacrifices people make, and symbolism can easily be led based on the book.
Writing assignments based on Anna's disguise and the troubles with identity can be tied to the plot of the book. Similarly, essays can be written based on how Anna changes throughout the course of the book and the discoveries she makes about the people who save her.
The Safest Lie is an exciting and heartfelt book that will thrill students and make history come alive for them.
Jason Flum, 6th grade teacher, East Windsor, NJ
Printable version
The Safest Lie by Angela Cerrito is an ideal book to be used in fifth and sixth grade classrooms. The story is about a Jewish girl, Anna Bauman, who must disguise herself to escape from the Polish ghetto during World War 2. Taking on another name, Anna goes into hiding and must scramble to survive as the Nazis round up the Jews during the Holocaust.
The book can be tied to the curriculum in multiple ways. Primarily, the book is based on a true story and can easily be tied to a related unit in history class. The story, as told from the point of view of a nine year old girl, is readily accessible to students at this age. Students will relate to Anna's voice and sympathize with the difficult choices she must make as she hides. Discussions on identity, truth vs. lies, disguise, sacrifices people make, and symbolism can easily be led based on the book.
Writing assignments based on Anna's disguise and the troubles with identity can be tied to the plot of the book. Similarly, essays can be written based on how Anna changes throughout the course of the book and the discoveries she makes about the people who save her.
The Safest Lie is an exciting and heartfelt book that will thrill students and make history come alive for them.
Jason Flum, 6th grade teacher, East Windsor, NJ
Printable version