Resistance

Resistance
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2018
Number of Pages: 416
Lexile Level: 820L

Summary
Resistance follows the journey of Chaya Lindner, a 16-year-old Jewish girl living in Nazi-occupied Poland. Chaya becomes a part of the Jewish resistance after witnessing the horrific oppression and brutality inflicted on her people. She starts by taking small, dangerous actions against the Nazis, like smuggling food and supplies into Jewish ghettos. However, her involvement deepens as she joins a network of resistance fighters working against Nazi forces. Alongside her friends, she becomes part of a daring plan to disrupt the Nazis’ control in Poland.
Main Themes
1. Courage and Bravery: Resistance highlights the incredible courage it takes for Chaya and other young Jewish resistance fighters to stand up against the Nazis. Even though they are constantly in danger, their bravery enables them to perform heroic acts.
2. Hope and Resilience: Despite facing tremendous oppression, Chaya and her friends hold on to hope. Their resilience allows them to keep fighting, driven by the belief that their actions can make a difference, no matter how small.
3. Sacrifice: Many characters in the novel risk or sacrifice their lives for the greater good. The characters are faced with the dilemma of sacrificing their safety to fight for freedom.
4. Identity and Heritage: Chaya’s Jewish identity and heritage motivate her actions and give her strength. The story explores how identity can be a source of power, especially when it’s threatened.
5. The Importance of Solidarity: The resistance movement thrives because of community. The novel highlights the power of collective action and the strength that comes from standing together in the face of oppression.
Why Resistance is Appropriate for Middle School
Resistance presents an entry point into World War II and the Holocaust by highlighting the Jewish ghettos and the resistance movement. By setting the story in Poland, it also helps children understand that Germany was not the epicenter of the Nazi atrocities. Chaya, the main character, is a young teenager herself, making her struggles and bravery relatable for middle school readers. Her story is suspenseful and action-packed, which keeps readers engaged while introducing them to historical realities. Middle school is a critical time for character building. The book explores themes of bravery, moral choice, and resilience, showing young readers that even in the darkest times, one person’s actions can make a difference. This is especially meaningful for students learning about values and ethics. Resistance encourages readers to think about complex issues like oppression, discrimination, and sacrifice. It invites students to question what they would do in Chaya’s situation and consider the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.