Surviving the Angel of Death
The True Story of a Mengele Twin in Auschwitz

Author: Eva Mozes Kor

Publisher: Tanglewood Publishing, copy write 2009

Page Count: 140

Lexile: 830L

Overview: 

"Eva Mozes Kor was just ten years old when she arrived in Auschwitz. While her parents and two older sisters were taken to the gas chambers, she and her twin, Miriam, were herded into the care of the man known as the Angel of Death, Dr. Josef Mengele. Subjected to sadistic medical experiments, she was forced to fight daily for her and her twin's survival. In this incredible true story written for young adults, readers learn of a child's endurance and survival in the face of truly extraordinary evil.  The book also includes an epilogue on Eva's recovery from this experience and her remarkable decision to publicly forgive the Nazis. Through her museum and her lectures, she has dedicated her life to giving testimony on the Holocaust, providing a message of hope for people who have suffered, and working for causes of human rights and peace."--Barnes and Noble 

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Reading

Words or Phrases to Describe the Book:

1. Biography

2. Non fiction

3. War horrors 

4. Sibling connections
5. Strong spirit

Electronic Resources:

1. Teacher Resources
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/holocaust/teacher-resources/6630.html

This site has numerous resources for teachers including lesson plans and class activities.  There are resources connecting the Holocaust to math, art, and diversity lesson for an interdisciplinary approach.

2. You Tube Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwvbtuIz6Hs

The author of this story, Eva Mozes Kor, explains her process of forgiveness.

Key Vocabulary: 

1. Auschwitz
2. Crematorium
3. Barracks
4. Nazi
5. Prisoners
6. Tattooed
7. Skeleton
8. Desperation
9. Commandant
10. Barbed wire
11. Ghettos
12. Labor camps
13. Forbidden
14. Lifeless

Reading Strategies:

Before: Most student will have some knowledge of the Holocaust, however this knowledge will vary between students in the accuracy and content.  Have students fill out a KWL chart with what they know about the Holocaust, and what they want to learn. If the teacher finds that students know very little, or this knowledge is incorrect, there are many lesson and resources in the website listed above which may benefit the students. 

During: Since this book has a deeply emotional and fact filled tone, it is important for students to be able to keep track of the events and characters in the story.  By filling out a story map with characters, events, setting, and theme as they read, students will be able to retain more information from the story. 

After:  Have each student choose a small section or paragraph in the book which they feel is interesting or important to the story.  Each student can share their section, and explain their choice to the class.

Writing Activity:  After watching the video in which Eva Mozes Kor explains her process of forgiveness, have the students respond to the following prompt: Think of a time when you had a disagreement with someone, or someone treated you badly.  What kind of emotions do you feel about that person or that arguement?  Write a letter of forgiveness to that person, explaining your thoughts.

Resources:
Barnes and Noble. (n.d.). In Surviving the angel of death. Retrieved September 25, 2012, from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/surviving-the-angel-of-death-eva-mozes-kor/1101373487

Batchelor Middle School, . (2012). In Surviving the angel of death : the story of a Mengele twin in Auschwitz. Retrieved October 17, 2012, from http://ablsurpass.mccsc.edu/Surpass/WebSafari.exe/detail?sid=667AD264-F0B7-44EA-9F21-138C1BC44A29&database=BAT&list=S&rec=2&marc=429031936

Kor, E. M., & Buccieri, L. (2009). Surviving the Angel of Death: the story of a Mengele twin in Auschwitz. Terre Haute, IN: Tanglewood.