Stones in Water- Donna Jo Napoli

Napoli, Donna Jo. Stones in Water. New York City: Puffin, 1999. Print.

Summary
Everyone has heard the stories about the Holocaust from the Jewish perspective. Books like The Diary of Anne Frank have painted vivid pictures in our minds on what the world was like during Hitler's reign of terror. Stones in Water tells the story from the point of view of a young Italian boy named Roberto. He is taken, along with his friends, at a movie theater by German soldiers. Forced to do the work of an adult, Roberto build holding cells for Jewish prisoners, all while his Jewish best friend Samuele works along side him. Once Roberto learns what he is really doing, he escapes and this book chronicles his journey back home. This tragic story is graphic and gruesome and viewer discretion is advised.

Key Vocabulary
There are several German, Italian, and Jewish terms and dialect used throughout the book. These words should be taught prior to reading along with these terms:

• Swastika
• Gondola
• Tarmac
• Dialect
• Infantry/Cavalry

Electronic Resources

Donna Jo Napoli
This is author, Donna Jo Napoli's official webpage. A biography is given as well as her other novels. She has written novels for early readers, elementary school/middle school students, and young adults. Interviews with the author are given as well as contact information. Donna Jo visits many schools to promote her books, give presentations, and give writers workshops. Do you want her to come to your school?

How to teach the Holocaust
This website offers different webquests, novels, and teaching tips for educating students on the Holocast. Since this is such a sensitive subject, this web site is perfect for helping teachers lead the way on teaching about the Holocaust.

Teaching Suggestions

Before reading: There are several key words and vocabulary that should be taught prior to reading the novel. It is recommended to read this book as content material for social studies. Prior knowledge should also be activated before reading. If this book is read in a Holocast unit, students can read The Diary of Anne Frank first and compare and contrast while reading Stones in Water.

During reading: If students have read The Diary of Anne Frank first (or after) students can make a venn diagram to compare and contrast Anne Frank and Roberto. If they haven't read about Anne Frank yet, they can make venn diagrams about Roberto and Samuele (Enzo). Both of these boys were taken by German soldiers, but one is Jewish and one is Italian. How are these boys different? The same? How is the way they are treated the same? Different? Student can create character sketches or a character analysis on either of these boys while reading.

After reading: It is important to have some type of literature discussion after students read this book. Many students may be confused, or upset by what they have read and a discussion will help clarify things and encourage students to express their opinions and concerns. Students may also address these concerns in a journal entry. Students can respond to what they have learned about the Holocaust and what questions they still may have.