In the Spring Semester of 2024, sixth grade students at Forest Grove Elementary School in Bettendorf, Iowa met Greg Rothbardt, the grandson of a Holocaust survivor. The classroom of kids met him, then began collaborating with professionals in the comic book industry to tell Irene Friedlieb’s story of survival during WWII. They learned about this Jewish woman born in Vienna, Austria, in 1915. Irene and her husband Walter Friedlieb were able to escape Nazi rule and immigrate to the United States. However, their lives in Austria and their escape were not without struggles due to Hitler’s laws, and the antisemitic views and actions of the people of Austria. Through much hard work and love, Irene and Walter were able to help other family members get to the safety of the United States. Unfortunately, they were not able to save all of their family members. Some would die in the gas chambers of Auschwitz concentration camp. Eventually, Irene and Walter eventually made their way to Iowa where their grandson Greg lives today.

I’ve had grandchildren tell their grandparents stories from WWII but never had a grandchild pass the story on to the young authors before. What I learned was that the students bonded well with the story as told by the grandson very well. Maybe because grandparents have a special place in the hearts of grandchildren. I don’t know for sure but I’m so grateful the students preserved Irene’s story. As you can tell by their impact statements below, it was a powerful experience. One of the greatest benefits of helping teachers provide great classroom experiences through A BOOK by ME is seeing a positive difference in the students’ lives. It brings me great satisfaction witnessing the students discovering their strengths and, in this case, learning the power of collaboration.

Deb Bowen
Creator, A BOOK by ME

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Impact Statements:  

“We chose to share Irene Friedlieb’s story because we need to show future generations what real bravery and persistence looks like. Writing this book revealed the suffering of being viewed as different. Irene was not accepted in her community during pre-WWII. Despite this, she was defiant as she risked her life for her family. As authors, we value having a deeper understanding of the choices Irene made to sacrifice for others.” – Mrs. Reyes’s 6th Grade Class 2023-2024, Forest Grove Elementary

“Meeting a Holocaust survivor’s family really made me think about how this changed their family. One thing I know for sure I learned from her family is never take anything for granted and truly anything can be taken from you at any time.” – Gemma

“Writing this story impacted Irene’s family because we are sharing an important story about their past. It is emotional for them. Our work will impact others reading this story. It makes me feel emotional and proud because it can show people what the Holocaust survivors experienced and the troubles they went through.” – Hassan

Link to purchase books from the series: https://www.understandingworks.org/shop/holocaust

 

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Journey to Freedom

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power in Germany in the 1930s and invaded Austria in 1938, putting Irene and Walter, both Jewish, in danger. Walter was arrested and taken to prison by the Gestapo. Irene bribed officials to get him released. Irene was able to obtain visas so she and Walter could immigrate to America in 1939. Once there, they worked to bring other family members to the United States.

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A BOOK by ME, a book series developed by Deb Bowen, empowers students to preserve history by telling the story of unsung heroes in our communities. For the young participants, it’s a guided cross-curricular project that gathers stories of people who do amazing things but have received little or no recognition. Students learn how to publish a picture book that is a primary source document with photographs and a biography.

Since 2003, Deb Bowen has been arranging meetings between students and individuals from the WWII generation. This intergenerational storytelling results in unique storybooks written and illustrated by kids for kids in the A BOOK by ME series. More about Deb Bowen >