- The Steins make the difficult decision to leave their sons behind in search of a safe place for their family to live together.
Would you have made the same choice if forced into their position? If not, what would you have done?
- Many people help Moses and Jacob along their journey, often to their own detriment. What motivated such people? What prevented
others from protecting those in harm’s way?
- Describe how this novel depicts the atmosphere of Nazi-occupied Paris. Did the people of France understand what was happening
to their country? Did denial, hatred, or fear play a role in how citizens behaved toward the vulnerable among them?
- How does apathy play a role in this story?
- Describe the moments of resilience in the novel. Are children more resilient than adults? Why or why not?
- In a desperate time and place like Nazi-occupied France, what is the value of hope?
- Who are the heroes of this story? Who are the villains?
- Wise little Jacob proclaims, “We always have to choose between love and fear.” What does he mean by this, and what happens
when we choose fear?
- What does this story tell you about the power of family? The power of love and sacrifice?
- The author based this novel upon real people who lived in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and protected the refugees of war. How does
the truth of this story change the way you read and experience it?