WHAT do you write about? A period in history known as the Holocaust (1933-1945).
l Research the main topic – World War II
l Research your area for possible stories from this time period.
l Use primary sources and up-to-date resources.
l Historical accuracy is extremely important. Look at photos on the internet before illustrating your book to see what clothing and hair styles, buildings and cities looked like in this time period.
WHO do you write about?
Preferably someone 1) in your area 2) still living and 3) who was directly impacted by the atrocities of the Holocaust. If the person is deceased but has an amazing story and you are able to find sufficient information that can work too. Choose one of the following to write about:
l Holocaust survivor ;
l Liberator: WWII soldiers who freed the Jewish people from prison camps; or
l Righteous Gentile: Christians who bravely risked their lives to help the Jewish people.
HOW do you write their story?
l Ask the person to meet you and tell their story. Borrow a photo from them to scan and include in the book. For helpful interview tips- click here
l Have a beginning, middle and end: What was the person's life like before, during and after the war?
l You may include dialog when the character expresses feelings or thoughts through the conflict or situation. Remember to distinguish Germans from Nazi regime- Nazis were the bad guys.
l Style: Past tense. Show the story, don't just tell. A good story can involve the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell.
l Remember to leave the reader with a lessoned learned or positive outcome.
l Stories must be exactly 10 pages in length, plus cover – each page written and illustrated.
l Must be true stories. Must be well written (so that a third grade student can understand)
l Have a captivating title, not just the person's name.
DETAILS:
l Format: 8 x 10 sheet with 1” margin around paper
l Story Font: 16 pt. Tahoma
l Front Cover: 36pt. Tahoma
l Pages: 2- 4 short sentences on each page; 10 pages total ; with an illustration on each page (if you are illustrating too).
l Include a resource page.
l Include a one page author's bio including photo, name, age, school, family and favorite activities or hobbies.
l Please let us know why you were interested in this project.
Suggested Time Line for a Six-Week Writing Project
Week One:
Introduction to writing project view website and writer's guidelinesChoose an individual Holocaust survivor, liberator or Righteous Gentile - REGISTER your proejctComplete Author Bio page
Week Two:
Introduction to individual's storyResearch (online and with trusted resources)Arrange interview and complete interview
Week Three:
SUBMIT:
l A TRUE STORY BY ME
c/o Deb Bowen,