Night

Night, by Elie Wiesel, is a required novel for sophomores at my school. However, they really get a lot of Holocaust material in middle school, so they're a little burned out on it by the time I get them. Before we begin, I like to spend a couple of days in a computer lab. They spend one day taking virtual tours of some of the concentration camps and listening to audio/video clips of some of the survivors. The next day they spend doing some very quick research about topics they choose from a list - some of the big names in the Nazi Party, different camps, and terms like Zyklon-B (poison), kristalnacht, sterilization, etc.... The next day each student shares his/her knowledge along with a picture, diagram, or some other visual. In doing this, each student forms a more personal connection with some of this - horrific as it is, and they also know a little more going into the novel.

As we read the novel, we try to take a look at some elements that are a little different. For example, Wiesel is very detached from this story by the time he writes it. There is little emotion in what is such a personal, painful topic and situation. We talk about why that might be and it's effect on our reading. We also (though it sounds harsh) talk about the Jews' repeated opportunities to avoid their fate, or at least attempt to do so. Kids can really get into discussions about the value of hindsight and the need to disbelieve.

Overall, kids tend to really enjoy reading this, but are struck by how awful the story really is.