57 pages • 1 hour read •
Yellow Star
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Book Brief
227
Novel • Fiction
Łódź Ghetto, Poland • 1940s
2006
Two Lions
Middle grade
10-14 years
710L
Super Short Summary
Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy is a novel in verse that recounts the experiences of Syvia Perlmutter, the author's aunt, during the Holocaust in the Lodz Ghetto from February 1940 to January 1945, highlighting her family's struggle for survival amid immense hardships, deportations, and starvation, while showcasing their courage and resilience. The book discusses antisemitism, violence, and murder.
Dark
Emotional
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
22,418 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jennifer Roy's Yellow Star is compelling and poignant, praised for its accessibility and emotional depth. Critics commend its portrayal of historical events through a young narrator, engaging readers with its authenticity and simplicity. Some find its verse format limiting in narrative detail. Overall, it's highly recommended for its educational value and moving storytelling.
Who Should Read Yellow Star?
Readers who appreciate The Diary of Anne Frank or Number the Stars will be captivated by Jennifer Roy's Yellow Star. This poignant, accessible narrative is ideal for middle-grade to young adult readers interested in World War II, Holocaust survival stories, and themes of resilience and hope.
22,418 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Isaac Perlmutter
Isaac Perlmutter
Father to Syvia, portrayed as resourceful and courageous, who works to protect his family and others within the constraints and dangers of the Lodz Ghetto.
Haya Perlmutter
Haya Perlmutter
Mother to Syvia, depicted as loving and selfless, known for her sacrifices to ensure the wellbeing of her daughters despite the severe hardships they face.
Dora Perlmutter
Dora Perlmutter
Syvia's older sister, initially enjoying a carefree life, who grapples with the dramatic changes brought on by the war while displaying protective instincts towards her young sister.
Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy is a novel in verse based on the true story of the author's aunt, Sylvia Perlmutter, who was one of only twelve children to survive the Łódź Ghetto during the Holocaust.
The story is told through Sylvia's perspective, capturing her experiences from ages 4 to 10, which adds a unique and authentic child's viewpoint to historical events.
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Jennifer Roy used over 30 hours of interviews with her aunt Sylvia as a primary source of information to create an accurate and personal depiction of her experiences.
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227
Novel • Fiction
Łódź Ghetto, Poland • 1940s
2006
Two Lions
Middle grade
10-14 years
710L
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