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Torn Thread

Teaching the Holocaust and other Genocides

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Torn Thread

Author: Anne Isaacs

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: 2000

Number of Pages: 192

Lexile Level: 710L

Torn Thread
Summary

Torn Thread tells the story of twelve-year-old Eva and her older sister Rachel, who are forced into a Nazi labor camp in Czechoslovakia during World War II. As Jewish prisoners, they endure grueling conditions, working long hours spinning thread for the German army. Despite the hardships, Eva and Rachel find strength in their bond, supporting each other and forming friendships with other girls in the camp. Through Eva’s eyes, the novel reveals the resilience, courage, and hope that help them survive the brutal realities of the Holocaust.

Main Themes
  1. Survival and Resilience - Eva’s story highlights the strength and determination required to endure the horrors of life in a concentration camp.
  2. Sisterhood and Family Bonds - The bond between Eva and Rachel underscores the importance of family support and love as a means of survival.
  3. Hope and Humanity - Amidst the suffering, small acts of kindness and solidarity remind the characters of their humanity.
  4. Injustice and Oppression - The novel explores the oppressive conditions of the labor camps, providing a historical perspective on the Holocaust and the treatment of Jewish prisoners.
Why Torn Thread is Appropriate for Middle School Readers

Torn Thread offers an accessible, age-appropriate perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on resilience, family bonds, and survival. The story’s emphasis on the strength of the sisters and the friendships they form allows middle school students to relate to and empathize with the characters, despite the challenging subject matter. Written with sensitivity, Torn Thread presents historical events in a way that encourages reflection on human rights, courage, and the importance of supporting one another, making it an impactful read for middle school audiences.