Book of Aron


The Book of Aron
Author: Jim Shepard
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2015
Number of Pages: 272
Lexile Level: 660L

Summary
The Book of Aron follows Aron, a young Jewish boy in Warsaw during World War II. Aron, a street-smart child with a tough demeanor, tries to survive as he faces starvation, disease, and the harsh realities of life in the Warsaw Ghetto. When he is taken in by Dr. Janusz Korczak, a real historical figure who ran an orphanage in the ghetto, Aron begins to understand the meaning of compassion and sacrifice. Dr. Korczak’s dedication to caring for the children in his orphanage, despite the growing dangers, profoundly impacts Aron’s view of humanity and courage in a world of cruelty.
Main Themes
- Survival and Sacrifice - Aron’s journey highlights the difficult choices people must make to survive and protect those they care about.
- Innocence in the Face of War - The novel portrays how war erodes innocence and how children like Aron adapt to survive in unimaginable circumstances.
- Compassion and Selflessness - Through the character of Dr. Korczak, the story explores selflessness and the power of compassion, even in extreme conditions.
- Moral Ambiguity and Difficult Choices - Aron’s choices, often morally ambiguous, reveal the complex reality of surviving in a time when all norms of society have collapsed.
Why The Book of Aron is Appropriate for Middle School Readers
The Book of Aron provides middle school readers with a glimpse into the Holocaust from the perspective of a young boy, making it a powerful tool for understanding history on a personal level. Aron’s gritty yet relatable perspective allows students to empathize with his experience, and the inclusion of Dr. Korczak, a real historical figure, provides a connection to real-world events. The novel prompts critical thinking about moral choices and resilience, encouraging readers to reflect on both historical and universal themes, making it suitable for mature middle school students.