This free discussion guide for the middle-grade novel CRUSHING THE RED FLOWERS by Jennifer Voigt Kaplan has discussion points, comprehension and analysis questions, activities, further research ideas, and writing prompts.

CRUSHING THE RED FLOWERS is set over Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass) in 1938 Germany and alternates perspectives between two twelve-year-olds, a German-Jewish boy and a boy in Hitler’s Jungvolk. The guide is designed to provide readers a basic introduction to the holocaust and to spark children’s interest in WWII history. It encourages rich conversations, helps link back to children’s everyday lives, and includes pre- and post-reading sections.

Themes include:

·        Bullying  

·        Bystanders

·        Displacement 

·        Family

·        Friendship  

·        Government opposition

·        Immigration

·        Loyalty

·        Refugees hope/uncertainty

·        Truth           

Common Core State Standards

5th grade: ELA. RL.5.1,2,3,4,6, 7, 8, 9; W.5.3a-e,4; SL.5.4,5; L.5.1,2,3,4

6th grade: ELA. RL.6.1,2,3,4,5,6,9; W.6.3a-e,4; SL.6.1a,3,4,5; L.6.1,2,3,4a,c,d

7th grade: ELA. RL.7.1,2,3,4,5,6,9; W.7.3a-e,4; SL.7.4,5; L.7.1,2,3

8th grade: ELA. RL.8.1,2,3,4,6,9; W.8.3a-e,4; SL.8.1a,3,5; L.8.1,2,3,4a,c,d; RH.6- 8.1,2,4,6; WSH.6-8.7,8,9

Great for educators, parents, or any discussion leader!