Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“An ‘Act’ of Resistance”

In this activity, students will research other historical events that have inspired resistance movements and share their findings through a skit or original film, as well as a research poster.

One of the book’s central themes is the idea that resistance to oppression can take many different forms. The Holocaust was one period in world history that necessitated this kind of resistance, and Chaya’s chosen path is clearly that of armed resistance and retaliatory violence. However, Esther points out to her that a refusal to capitulate or even to engage in violence can be an equally valid and brave choice.

• Break into small groups and identify other periods or significant events that brought forth intense and varied forms of resistance. Brainstorming examples of rebellions, revolutions, or mass protest movements may be a good place to start.
• Choose one of these events and research how its associated resistance efforts played out, as well as what brought about an eventual resolution of conflict.
• Within your group, create and enact a short skit or film that depicts your chosen event and the resistance responses that it evoked.