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Rescue

Teaching the Holocaust and other Genocides

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Rescue

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: 2021

Number of Pages: 400

Lexile Level:  740L

Rescue
Summary

Rescue is set during World War II and follows Meg Kenyon, a twelve-year-old girl living in Nazi-occupied France. Meg’s family is deeply involved in the French Resistance, and her father is captured by the Nazis while helping Allied forces. Before his capture, he gives Meg a coded message, knowing she has a knack for puzzles and will do whatever it takes to help the Resistance. While trying to decipher her father’s message, Meg encounters Captain Stewart, a downed British airman who needs help to escape back to England. She also meets a mysterious man with secrets of his own. Together, they must navigate through dangerous terrain, evade Nazi soldiers, and use Meg’s puzzle-solving skills to find hidden Resistance safehouses and resources along the way. Meg is determined to help her allies and find a way to save her father.

Main Themes

1.      Courage and Sacrifice: Meg and her allies take immense risks to help the Resistance and save her father. Their actions highlight the courage needed to resist oppression and the sacrifices people make for freedom and family.

2.      Loyalty and Family Bonds: The story emphasizes the importance of family and loyalty. Meg’s love for her father drives her throughout the story, and her interactions with other characters show how people can become like family through shared purpose and hardship.

3.      Trust and Cooperation: Throughout the journey, Meg must rely on her allies, even when she isn’t sure of their intentions. This theme underscores the importance of trust and teamwork, especially in times of great danger.

4.      Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness: Meg’s puzzle-solving abilities play a significant role in the story, demonstrating how resourcefulness and intelligence can be powerful tools. This theme encourages readers to value thinking through challenges and solving problems creatively.

5.      Hope in Dark Times: Despite the dangerous setting of Nazi-occupied France, the story maintains an underlying theme of hope. Meg’s determination to help the Resistance and find her father reflects how hope can motivate people to do incredible things, even in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

Why Rescue is Appropriate for Middle School

Rescue provides an accessible introduction to World War II and the role of the French Resistance. It gives students insight into historical events while maintaining a tone and level of detail that’s appropriate for their age. Meg, the main character, is twelve years old, making her story and perspective relatable for middle schoolers. They can see themselves in her bravery, curiosity, and determination. Rescue explores themes like loyalty, courage, and teamwork, which are essential as middle schoolers navigate their growing sense of identity and ethics. The story encourages readers to consider what they would do in challenging situations and emphasizes standing up for what’s right. Meg’s interactions with other characters and her determination to help those around her foster empathy and an understanding of the sacrifices people make for others. These themes encourage readers to consider the lives of others and understand different perspectives.