Greenhorn

Greenhorn
Anna Olswanger
NewSouth Books, 2012 48 pages
Grades 5-Up
Historical Fiction

A big announcement is made at Aaron's 1940's boarding-school yeshiva: new students, who have been orphaned in the holocaust, will be relocated to the school. One of the newcomers, a boy named Daniel, is squeezed into Aaron's already tight room. Daniel is quiet and downcast, clutching a small metal box for dear life. The other boys tease Daniel for his quietness and obsession with the box. Aaron, also a target of taunts because of a stutter, befriends Daniel and lends a kind word and a hand of friendship. Time goes on, Daniel begins to learn English and pick-up American ways, but still he will not let go of the mysterious box or share what it holds with any of his classmates. Finally, the contents of the box are revealed and to everyone's horror they bring to light the terrible tragedy the young boy recently survived and the devastating loss that he can never recover.

I have rediscovered this little gem of a book and feel that it is worth a second look. Based on the true experiences of Rabbi Rafael Grossman, who passed away this past spring, an author's note at the back of the book relates the story's authenticity, making the horrors of the holocaust that much more potent and personal. I had the opportunity of meeting the Rabbi and hearing him speak and I can attest to the fact that the world has lost a beautiful, intelligent, and insightful man. More illustrated short story than novel, Greenhorn is deceivingly mature. At first glance it looks like a transitional chapter book, but the content is more appropriate for middle grade/teen. New-comers to America and the English language will find much to relate to within this book and it is a perfect high/low choice for both English language learners and strugglers. The full-color illustrations and generous white space will attract the casual reader and the mystery of the contents of the box will keep them reading. The reveal of the contents will both shock and educate readers and will help to leave a permanent imprint that will linger for long after the cover is closed. Teachers will find this title useful for sharing with a class and it can fit into history, bullying, and religious curriculum.  At its base, this is a book about kindness, friendship, and welcoming that is just as pertinent a message today as it was in the 1940's. A glossary of Jewish terms is included in the back of the volume to educate the unfamiliar. Once readers process the shock of the contents of the mysterious box and the horrors of Daniel's experiences, they may be inspired by Aaron to be a friend to the newcomer in their own class.