He said, "Well that's just silly, there's a street named after her in about every major city in Poland. I definitely learned about her growing up, I'm not sure when, but the Holocaust was definitely a part of our curriculum. Every Polish child will take a trip to Auchwitz, and we are all taught about this part of history. However, growing up - it was almost disrespectful to bring up the Holocaust because there were so many tender and hurt feelings from this dark part of History.

My Grandmother, a Pole, who was 16 and at a forced labor camp, but able to live at home, hates talking about Germany Occupation. People are just so sensitive, that we don't like to share it. I don't think that until about or did the attitude in Poland change. Now people talk about it lightheartedly and too often as if they don't have reverence or respect for those who lost their lives.

See a Problem?

I just don't think that Poland had completely "healed" from it's past and wasn't ready to stop grieving until or That's probably why your book thinks that we didn't learn anything about the Holocaust. My only regret in reading this book is that I didn't read it while I lived in Warsaw. It would have given so much more meaning and depth to my adventures in the city. I have found numerous, numerous plaques, buildings, fragments of the wall not only what's listed in the book - but also haven't been to Pawiak prison, or Treblinka.

Had I had this book to read there it would have really sparked my curiosity and enhanced my learning to go and see these sites first hand. It would have created a more well-rounded education and one which would have left more of a lasting impression on me. Nevertheless, I think that's why I appreciated this book so much - is because I HAVE been to almost all or more many of these places which are described in the book. View all 3 comments. Mar 01, Stephanie rated it it was amazing.

I have waited to try and write a review for this book. I don't know how to really. How is it that I can have been actively reading biographies from Holocaust survivors for over fifteen years, how is it that I can still "hear" and learn things that I didn't know? I learned of this book from an amazing and wonderful Facebook page that I recommend to everyone, A mighty girl. They had an article on Irena Sendler. I had never heard of her and went looking for the book. This women and her handful of f I have waited to try and write a review for this book. This women and her handful of friends created a network that saved over 2, children from the Warsaw ghetto.

How could this be and I had not heard of this woman! The book is powerful and heartbreaking. A shadow moved along the wall-a woman wrapped in brown and gray rags like condensed smoke-holding a swaddled infant in the crook of her elbow. The woman stood to pick up a small rock and heaved it over the wall, then retreated to crouch into the shadows.

Even at this distance, Irena heard the woman suck in two deep breaths, bend forward, swing her baby in both her arms, three times, and then with blazing purpose hurl it up an arc that barely cleared the jagged glass atop the wall. No sound came back from the other side. The woman collapsed against the wall, her hands stoking the bricks, the two inches that separated her from her baby.

She slunk away in the shadow of the wall. Irena had seen many desperate acts of love-they were the core of every rescue-but what she had just witnessed was the most searing of all. I highly recommend this book to everyone. The Life in a jar project has changed many lives , both the young students that started the search for who Irena was part of the book's story and the multitudes of children that Irena and her group saved. Dec 03, Lori rated it it was amazing Shelves: This was an amazing story, both of the woman who did incredible and daring rescue work in Poland and the infamous Warsaw Ghetto, and of the three girls who brought her story to the world.

Irena Sendler saved Jewish children, street orphans and from families, by smuggling them out of the ghetto, into safe houses, giving them Christian names on forged papers and sending them on to other homes, abbeys and orphanages. She saved a list of these children's identities in milk bottles buried under This was an amazing story, both of the woman who did incredible and daring rescue work in Poland and the infamous Warsaw Ghetto, and of the three girls who brought her story to the world.

She saved a list of these children's identities in milk bottles buried under an apple tree in the backyard fully intending to give these Jewish babies back to their Jewish parents. The number of children is not a typo. Unfortunately, after the war, there were no Jewish parents that survived. Although the Jewish community knew of and honored this woman, just like Oskar Schindler who saved Jews, the rest of the world knew little of her story because she lived in Poland, a country that went from German occupation to Russian communism in quick succession.

Polish 'rebels' became criminals and these incredible humanitarians never told their stories. The timing of this History Day project for three girls in Kansas and the events taking place in a democratic Poland created a perfect storm of revelation and healing. When you see the awards Irena Sendler receives, you'll see that they are mostly dated after the girls' project. These girls have their own stories as well and they are revealed in the beginning and end of this book. It's because of who these girls were that this 'project' took flight.

So many good lessons from Irena. She lived the way her father lived and took his advice to heart: May 17, Deyanne rated it really liked it Recommended to Deyanne by: I did not have a holocaust shelf until entering this book. I have read so many books dealing with the holocaust and I taught Night. This novel was moving in that Irena Sendlar saved 2, children from the Warsaw Ghetto and yet she was virtually unknown.

The back of the book reads: Their innocent drama was first seen in Kansas, then the Midwest, then New York, Los Angeles, Montreal and finally Poland, where they elevated Irena Sendler to a national hero, championing her legacy of tolerance and respect for all people. I was particularly impressed with the parallel stories of the three girls involved in the "project based learning". View all 4 comments. Sep 21, Jennifer Swapp rated it it was amazing. A quote from the book can give an idea of the amazing feat accomplished by this network.

'Life in a Jar' Book - Life in a Jar

To save one Jewish child, 10 poles and two Jews had to risk death. To betray that same child and the family that hid him required only one informer or worse still, one blackmailer. The risk of being caught by the SS was not prison, but death- death for the entire family". This book was a beautiful accounting of triumph over terribly painful, tragic circumstances. Most ob A quote from the book can give an idea of the amazing feat accomplished by this network. Most obviously, it details Polish people who valued life and risked their own and many other lives in order to try to save one Jewish child's life at a time.

The most courageous people have to be the mothers and fathers who gave their children to Irena out of desperation and faith. It also accounts for the accomplishments of three young girls from an impoverished community in Kansas, whose involvement in this project helps them overcome their own very difficult circumstances. Irena Sendler answers definitively whether we have an obligation to help those less fortunate, and to what extent we have an obligation.

I was stunned at the sad Polish history. Even though this book deals with heart-wrenching details of WWII, it is very inspiring and motivation. Jun 28, Kim rated it it was amazing. I saw a blurb about this woman, Irena Sendler, floating around on Facebook several months ago. I was curious about her and after looking around I found this book.

I gave this book 5 stars for the part about Irena Sendler. She placed the children with "foster" families, convents and orphanages, and kept lists of who she put where, so that s I saw a blurb about this woman, Irena Sendler, floating around on Facebook several months ago. She placed the children with "foster" families, convents and orphanages, and kept lists of who she put where, so that she could help reunite the children with their families after the war.

She buried those lists in jars in her friend's yard- thus, the title, "Life in a Jar. Which, while interesting, ran too long. Irena's story was powerful and uplifting- showing how one person really can make a difference! Jan 11, Deborah Pickstone rated it really liked it Shelves: Second book on Irena Sendler recently.

I guess it is quite amazing how some people just set out to do the right thing. There are hardly anyone now who really knows what went on but Irena was not Jewish but still felt it important to save as many children as she could. Many years later she said " I agree with Wladyslaw Bartoszewski I can't say I would be so brave; I hope I would try. Mar 18, Sonia rated it really liked it. Sufres, lloras, sientes ansiedad, bueno toda una mezclas de sentimientos. Un excelente libro y proyecto que debe ser discutido en muchos lugares.

Dec 08, Inga Anderson rated it liked it. An impressive story about a polish woman who saved children during the 2nd world war. The other interesting aspect is how her name wasn't really known in the world until 3 girls from Kansas created a play about her and started researching more in The book is very detailed and it describes the time in the war when Irena and her group were smuggling children out of the Jewish ghetto in Poland. I felt that the book was too long for my liking and the writing wasn't really getting me into i An impressive story about a polish woman who saved children during the 2nd world war.

I felt that the book was too long for my liking and the writing wasn't really getting me into it. I think everyone should know about her and while I think the author did a great job capturing so many details of her story, he'd get so many more people to learn about Irena, but releasing a shorter version of this book. Apr 14, Michele rated it really liked it Shelves: This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. What a little powerhouse she was.

Irena Sendler, saving 2, babies and feeling like she didn't do enough? This story is emotionally tough. It reminds me of "Unbroken," so hard to get through and yet so worth it in the end. And it was neat to have the thought, "do I know any of these people?


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We are old friends after reading, "The Zookeeper's Wife," by Diane Ackerman, so it made me feel better! I was so interested in her father. Telling her to save someone even if they are drowning and you don't know how to swim? Would I have that kind of courage? Today we tell our kids: Irena was such a devoted person. She gave up two marriages and her relationship with her Mother to save others. It was interesting how she cautioned the girls, not to risk themselves in such a way. After reading "The Silence of God" and now this book, it really struck me how women do a lot in wars.

Whether they help neighbors, or spy on them, women are deeply involved inside a war. I had never thought of it that way before. This is a must read, an important work of heartbreaking, courageous determination. Sep 08, Susan rated it it was amazing.

She would beg Jewish mothers to relinquish their children to her so that she could bring them to safety. Why did she put herself and other at such risk when so many Poles looked the other way and refused to defy the barbaric Nazis? She explained that it was the decent thing to do and in her heart. Yet, Sendler's bravery wasn't known for many years because of Poland's pervasive anti-semitism, its Communist past, and its refusal to confront its role in WWII.

The Irena Sendler Project

When three high school girls from a rural school district in southeast Kansas begin to research Irena Sendler's rescues for a National History Day project, their curiosity leads to their writing a play titled "Life in a Jar," aptly named because Irena buried in jars the original and the new names of the children she saved so that the children later might find their families after the war and be able to remember their Jewish heritage. What started out as a history class project, though, inspired others to recognize Irena Sendler's heroism.

In Poland, Irena Sendler was elevated to a national hero and has helped Poland heal its wartime history. This is a wonderful book! Sep 19, Terri Lynn rated it it was amazing Shelves: Though it is labeled fiction, that is only due to the fact that the author re-created conversations based on the memories of those who spoke. All of the facts and events are true.

'Life in a Jar' Book

She risked her life and in fact wound up in prison sentenced to death. She should have been as well known as Oskar Schindler who saved 1, but she was a Though it is labeled fiction, that is only due to the fact that the author re-created conversations based on the memories of those who spoke. She should have been as well known as Oskar Schindler who saved 1, but she was anti-Communist and when the Communists took over Poland, she had to hide what she had done.

Her story remained almost unknown until 3 Kansas high school girls Liz, Megan and Sabrina signed up to do a history project for their teacher Mr. C decided to do their project on her as a group based on a lone article Liz plucked out of a folder of choices. The book shows us the girls' own life stories and a lot of Irena's lifesaving work.

As the girls develop a play about Irena, they become inflamed to learn more, enter and win competitions and are shocked to find Irena is alive. What happens when they get to meet her? Highly recommended and an amazing story. Sep 27, Anne rated it it was amazing. This is an incredibly powerful story about the Polish Catholic social worker, Irena Sendler, who saved Jewish children in the Warsaw Ghetto during the holocaust, and also the story of the three Protestant teenagers from Kansas who discovered this remarkable heroic story and brought it to the world's attention.

This is a harrowing history of what happened in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust and shows how ordinary people took life threatening risks to save others. The parallel story of This is an incredibly powerful story about the Polish Catholic social worker, Irena Sendler, who saved Jewish children in the Warsaw Ghetto during the holocaust, and also the story of the three Protestant teenagers from Kansas who discovered this remarkable heroic story and brought it to the world's attention.

The parallel story of the three teenagers who persevered in uncovering the story despite their own flawed lives and personal struggles is an example of the power of each individual to make a difference and a great example to inspire all children. A semi-documentary story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Christian who rescued 2, Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto, at great risk to herself. Her story was uncovered by a group of mid western high school students researching a project for their History class.

Out of their research, they created a play "Life in a Jar", that they have presented all over the world. This is an inspirational story of the difference one person can make in history. Jun 06, Brenda Dolha rated it it was amazing. I selected this book at the museum shop- the Holocaust museum in Washington, DC. The musem's slogan is 'remember what you saw', and the message is that genocide did not cease on VE Day. I am reading this now - not quite done. This is an amazing story about a WWII hero that was never really internationally recognized until this book came out.

She smuggled children out of the Warsaw Ghetto, many of them infants. It is written a little too detailed and slow for me but man what an amazing thing one human being can do!!! Dec 23, Allison rated it it was amazing. A very important story to not be forgotten. The writing style is geared for teens but the story is timeless and is a must-read.

I miss reading it already. Sep 20, Jessica Douglas rated it it was amazing. Ok so I don't do non fiction. Oct 22, Lauren rated it really liked it. First is the obvious: But the book seems to have intentionally steered clear of anything that would result in limiting its availability in high schools. This is what held me back from giving the book 5 stars. I would rather have had the book shortened by about pages.

In fact, I recommend it for all audiences. It will inspire and awe. Oct 09, Carolyn rated it it was amazing. The Holocaust is horrific and still shocking to read about. But, reading about Irena and her courageous and compassionate heart and the amazing work she did during that horrific time felt important for me to know. That is a really neat aspect of the whole story! I listened to this and speed-listened through the Warsaw Ghetto parts because it was too horrible but I am glad I know this story. Feb 03, Mary Frances rated it it was amazing. Irena Sendlers life is such an import and inspiring piece of history.

Not a moment is wasted reading this book and should be shared with every generation. Just one ordinary person doing extraordinary work can change the course of history for the better. Aug 10, Susan rated it really liked it. This may not be the best written book I've ever read, but this story needs to be told.

What a great resource for teachers! Life in a Jar 1 7 Oct 24, Jack Mayer is a pediatrician and a writer. He began practicing pediatrics in in Enosburg Falls, Vermont, a small town in eastern Franklin County on the Canadian border. His was the first pediatric practice in that half of the county. He was a country doctor there for ten years, often bartering medical care for eggs, firewood, and knitted afghans. From — Dr. Mayer was a National Canc Jack Mayer is a pediatrician and a writer.

Most of his scientific writing was done during those four years. Mayer returned to Vermont in and established Rainbow Pediatrics in Middlebury, Vermont where he continues to practice primary care pediatrics. Throughout his career, Dr. Mayer has written short stories, poems, and essays about his years in pediatric practice and hiking The Long Trail in Vermont.

The play receives extensive media attention, and synagogues, schools, and civic organizations ask them to perform it.

Life in a Jar

They accomplish their main goal: While Life in a Jar is based on a true story, it reads like a novel. Mayer uses a narrative storytelling style, and he masterfully and seamlessly weaves together the personal stories of Irena and the students. The reason the girls feel so compelled to tell this story soon becomes clear: They are all experiencing challenges with their own parents—particularly their mothers, either due to illness or abandonment—and they hope to find answers to questions that haunt their own lives. Part III has many twists and turns, and a few shocking revelations, as in any gripping novel.

This stimulating book is a story about human decency, courage, and social justice.

It will appeal to anyone with an interest in history, as well as teachers of all subjects, especially history and religion. He reveals the inner thoughts of the people involved—their joys, struggles, and fears—pulling the reader in on an emotional level early on and sustaining that interest throughout the book. Reviewed by Maria Siano June 18,