Module 3-Verse Novel/LS 5663-20

Module 3-Verse Novel
LeZotte,Ann C. T4, A novel in verse. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008. ISBN 978-0-547-04684-6
This verse novel shares a lesser known story of the atrocities inflicted during the Holocaust. T4, or Tiergartenstrasse 4 is the headquarters where the Nazi regime made it a priority to annihilate any mentally ill, or disabled person. The main character of the verse novel is Paula Becker, a deaf teenager faced with the frustration of trying to communicate with each of her family members and trying to survive in time when those who were “different” were done away with. The topic of the Holocaust is often a very difficult one to read about, however it is a topic that must be shared due to the historical significance.
Because of the subject matter, this verse novel stimulates the emotions of the reader. The character of Paula feels like she is an outsider in her own family due to her disability. Paula learns to communicate with her hands with the help of the local priest, who also plays a key role in her survival as she matures. It has been said that when one of our senses is taken away, the other senses become stronger. The poet uses sensory images to convey feelings. For example, in the following poem, What I saw, the reader views an increased awareness of the sense of sight.
What I Saw
My visual sense was so strong.
If a breeze shook the leaves on a tree
I would shriek with delight.
If people ran fast past me
It looked like a tidal wave.
Even the motion of a hand waving goodbye startled me.
Since the subject of the Holocaust is very emotional and difficult to comprehend, I feel that this book should be geared toward students in the intermediate age range. As a way of introducing this book, I would have the students discuss how they would feel if they were no longer able to hear anything, such as their music or the voice of their friends. Students of this age are dependent on their friends and are highly influenced by peers. Have them share their frustrations and fears and explain why they might feel this way. I would then ask them to share how they would communicate if they were not able to hear the voices of friends and family. Would they use texting or another means of communication? As my last question, I would have them put themselves in the place of Paula and ask how they would feel if they knew that the government didn’t think that they deserved to live because of their disability.