The two graphic nvovels that we read from the Maus series were so much more impactful than any other Holocaust narrativve that I have read. Spiegalman's portrayal of the Jews and the Nazis provided much more to the story than just a simple history lesson or a book like The Diary of Anne Frank or Night. While all Holocaust novels are essential to history and are imperative for learning, Maus creates a whole new layer of understanding and complexity.
For high school or middle school students, this book would be very engaging. Part of the reason is because of the format that it is written. I would have muuch rather read this book in high school than the former two books that I mentioned, or at least have read this along with those two. The fact that it is a graphic novel helps engage students who may struggle with reading, students with low reading and writing comprehension, and draw in the kinestetic and spatial learners. Spielgalman captivates his audience through his complicated relationship with his father. That theme in itself could provide material for discussion in the classroom, as most people have complex and complicated relationships with someone close to them. With this book, teachers have ample opportunities to appeal to their students. Students could work on making their own graphic novel throughout the unit as individuals, or the class could compile a graphic novel throughout the year focusing on things that they haave read or done. This activity could be accomplished by hand or through a comic strip website.
Maus would also be a great way to introduce symblism to students. By focusing on the nationalities represented and their corresponding animal representations, the teacher can also push students to consider stereotyping. This activity would probably go hand in hand with discussing racism, xenophobia, and current world events and literature that connect to the text.
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