Milkweed (novel) facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Jerry Spinelli |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young Adult Book, Historical Novel |
| Publisher | Knopf |
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Publication date
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2003 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback |
| Pages | 208pp. |
| ISBN | 978-03-7581374-0 |
Milkweed is a powerful book written by American author Jerry Spinelli. It came out in 2003. This novel is a type of historical fiction for young adults. This means it's a made-up story set during a real historical time.
The book tells the story of a young boy in Warsaw, Poland, during World War II. This was a very difficult time, especially during the Holocaust. The Holocaust was when the Nazis tried to kill all Jewish people. The boy in the story lives on the streets. He joins a group of Jewish orphans. They try to survive and avoid the Nazis, who they call "Jackboots."
The story is told by the boy himself, looking back from the future. He is living in America and remembering his past. Even though it's fiction, one character, Doctor Korczak, is based on a real person. His name was Janusz Korczak.
Milkweed is about a boy who doesn't know who he is. This was dangerous during the Holocaust. The book helps readers understand what it was like for children in the Warsaw Ghetto. They often didn't fully understand the terrible events happening around them.
The Story Behind Milkweed
Jerry Spinelli wrote Milkweed because he wanted to understand the Holocaust better. He said he remembered seeing pictures of the Holocaust from a young age. He also read many true stories from people who lived through it.
Spinelli felt unsure about writing a book on such a serious topic. He didn't have a personal connection to the Holocaust. But he cared deeply about it. He read memoirs, like those by Elie Wiesel, to learn more. These stories helped him write the novel.
The book also features milkweed pods. These pods were something Spinelli remembered from his own childhood. He used to blow them near his home. They became an important symbol in the story.
Awards for Milkweed
Milkweed won some important awards. In 2004, it received the Golden Kite Award for Fiction. It also won the Carolyn W. Field Award for Fiction in 2003. These awards show that the book was highly praised.
Important Ideas in Milkweed
Milkweed uses symbols to share its message. Two main symbols are angels and milkweed pods. An angel statue and a milkweed plant appear in the ghetto. They represent hope in a dark time. The milkweed plant grows even in tough places.
The book also explores several big ideas. These include survival, caring for others, and what it means to be alive. The main character, Misha, tries to survive in the Warsaw ghetto. He sees terrible things every day.
Misha also shows great care for others. He shares the little food he finds with Dr. Korczak's children. This shows how people helped each other even in the worst times. The story is about people, kindness, and life itself.
