Teens across the Midwest are writing local true stories about Holocaust survivors and concentration camp liberators in order to record and teach the next generation. This is being done through a book series titled A True Story By Me- Holocaust : We WillNever Forget. The program helps ordinary students write and illustrate extraordinary stories of men and women who struggled to survive and make sense of the world they lived in. The stories are preserved when written and illustrated in a simple storybook form suitable for elementary age readers.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum states “The Holocaust provides one of the most effective subjects for an examination of basic moral issues.” Deb Bowen, Aledo, Illinois, Project Director of A True Story By Me- Holocaust: We Will Never Forget recognizes the value of children writing to preserve history and teach tolerance. Bowen feels there is no better way for a young person to learn about this period of history than to hear a story firsthand. It makes the Holocaust real to know someone who actually witnessed the horrors – especially if that person lives nearby. If a class can’t hear the story directly from the survivor or liberator because they have passed away, the next best thing is a video or story told by someone who has heard the story firsthand (i.e. the child of a survivor).” Pictures and/or videos of the survivor after the war are another effective way to make this period of time real to students.
On January 1, 1990, Illinois became the first state to require all public elementary and secondary schools to teach Holocaust Education. Since that time, many states have joined Illinois mandating Holocaust Education be taught in public schools.
“Having children write books personalizing the Holocaust is a deeply meaningful and moving way for them to internalize this horrid period in history,” comments Dr. Art Pitz, Scholar in Residence at St. Ambrose University in Rock Island Illinois, “No doubt they will never forget their book writing experience and the young readers in the classroom will learn much from it as well.”
Through the writing project, young authors research WWII and Holocaust history along with the story they become familiar with in class. Local research many times results in discovering survivors and liberators living in their own communities. Through personal interviewing, research, writing and creative illustrations, the true stories are preserved for future generations.
Bowen's literacy program evolved from a friendship with three Jewish survivors from the nearby Quad Cities. The three women shared one common name, Esther, but it was their individual stories of hope that birthed a vision of preservation. Today each Esther's story is printed and distributed to schools and public libraries near their homes in Rock Island County. The vision has expanded to over 12 books written by young authors, matching curriculum development and a vision for a mobile Holocaust museum traveling to schools starting in Iowa and Illinois (the home of the Quad Cities Three Esthers). In addition, the books will soon be published and available for purchase by the general public. Those interested in purchasing books can express interest at the website shown below.
In the meantime, we continue to gather true stories for the next generation. We have learned there are talented young authors in every school district willing to do a wonderful job preserving an important story. We are searching state wide for members of the community with a story to tell and also, teachers interested in participating in the writing project.
Deb Bowen is married, mother of six children, grandmother and host mom to ten foreign exchange students. She is a motivational speaker, freelance writer and member of QC Holocaust Board of Education. You can schedule her to speak for your group by contacting debbow@abookbyme.com.
To find out more information about A True Story By Me- Holocaust : We Will Never Forget visit us online at www.abookbyme.com .
Children’s books and matching curriculum will be donated to schools through grant monies. If you would like to make a tax free donation for this project, please send a check to Saux Valley College, Attn: Sabrina Earl, 173 Illinois Route 2, Dixon, Illinois 61021.
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Contact: Deb Bowen 309.582.8888