Candace Fleming

Book Thesis: 

Katje and her community of Olst, Holland survived WWII in part because of the generosity of Katje's pen pal Rosie in Mayfield, Indiana.

Supporting Details for Thesis

• Rosie sent Katje a cake of soap, some chocolate, and some wool socks, which Katje shared with the postman and her mother.

• Rosie then sent Katje more sugar, enough for Katje to share with her family, the postman, and another family.

• Rosie sent a third shipment of several boxes, enough to share with everyone in the community of Olst, filled with soap, food, and clothing items.

• Rosie's contributions helped brighten the spirits of the townspeople, gave them warm clothes to wear in the worst winter, and gave them food to eat.

Major Concepts

• Sharing with others in need

• Paying it forward

• How something that starts out small can end up making a big impact

• Reciprocating - sharing back the gifts that one can provide

Possible Uses in The Classroom/Profession

• Students can have a fundraising event to send needed items to another community in another country or the U.S.

• Encourage empathy by doing bucket-filling exercises.