Year of Goodbyes is a true story about a Jewish girl named Jutta who lived in Germany in 1938. The book is told in verse, with each chapter representing a different entry in Jutta’s poesiealbum, or autograph book.
The book begins with Jutta’s thirteenth birthday, which she celebrates with her family and friends. Jutta is a happy and carefree girl, and she enjoys her life in Germany. However, the tide of anti-Semitism is rising, and Jutta and her family are increasingly marginalized and discriminated against.
Throughout the year, Jutta’s friends and relatives begin to leave Germany. Jutta is heartbroken to say goodbye to her loved ones, but she knows that it is the only way to stay safe.
As the year progresses, the situation for Jews in Germany becomes semakin and semakin berbahaya. Jutta’s father is arrested by the Gestapo, and her family is forced to go into hiding. Jutta lives in constant fear, but she remains brave and hopeful.
In the end, Jutta and her family are able to escape from Germany and immigrate to the United States. Jutta is grateful for her new life in America, but she never forgets the year of goodbyes.
Year of Goodbyes is a powerful and moving story about a young girl’s experience of the Holocaust. It is a reminder of the importance of standing up against hatred and discrimination.
Here is a more detailed summary of the book, chapter by chapter:
Chapter 1: Birthday
Jutta celebrates her thirteenth birthday with her family and friends. She is a happy and carefree girl, and she enjoys her life in Germany.
Chapter 2: The Poesiealbum
Jutta’s friends and family begin to leave Germany, and she starts filling her poesiealbum with their farewell messages.
Chapter 3: Kristallnacht
On Kristallnacht, Nazi storm troopers attack Jewish businesses and synagogues. Jutta’s father’s shop is destroyed, and he is arrested by the Gestapo.
Chapter 4: Going into Hiding
Jutta and her family are forced to go into hiding. They live in a small apartment with another family, and they are constantly afraid of being discovered.
Chapter 5: The Year of Goodbyes
Jutta continues to say goodbye to her loved ones as they leave Germany. She is heartbroken, but she knows that it is the only way for them to stay safe.
Chapter 6: Escape
Jutta and her family are able to escape from Germany and immigrate to the United States. Jutta is grateful for her new life, but she never forgets the year of goodbyes.
Conclusion
Year of Goodbyes is a powerful and important story. It is a reminder of the importance of standing up against hatred and discrimination. It is also a story of hope and resilience.
