Polacco, P. (2000). The Butterfly. New York, N Y: Philomel Books.Illustrated by Patricia Polacco. ISBN:  0-399-23170-6. 

In the French village where Monique lives, the Nazi soldier’s remove a Jewish candy store owner and moving into the town. Monique thinks she is seeing a ghost of another girl when she , discovers that a Jewish family is hiding in their basement. 

Full page illustrations grace this book.  The characters are portrayed with smooth skin on their face and hands and their hands movements add to the text of the story. 

Rating:  5Q/3P 

Curriculum Use 

World War II, France

Holocaust 

MWood

Polacco, P. (2000). The Butterfly. New York, N Y: Philomel Books. ISBN:  0-399-23170-6. 

This story is based on the true experiences of Polacco’s aunt, Monique, who as a young French girl forges a friendship with Sevrine, the daughter of the Jewish family Monique’s mother has been hiding from the Nazis in her home during WW II.  In sharp contrast to the brutality of the Nazis, the girls’ friendship is sweet and innocent; sadly, it is abruptly interrupted when Sevrine’s family must flee to escape detection. Though not having heard from her, Monique takes the sight of dozens of fluttering butterflies as a sign that Sevrine has survived since the girls once shared a single butterfly.

Curricular connection:  WWII/Holocaust/ Grade 10/ CA HSS 10.8

Literary Device:  Symbolism

Artwork:  Marker-and-pencil illustrations

Subjects:  WW II; Nazi oppression; French Resistance; Friendship

Themes:  Having a friend can make difficult times better.  Resisting authority is sometimes necessary and noble in extreme situations.Category:  Historical Fiction

Age Level Recommendation:  Upper Elementary (and up)

Rating:  4Q/4P

AAS 5-3-08