WHITE BIRD
PREJUDICE
EMPATHY
WAR
The white bird appears when Sara imagines herself flying high in the air, happy with her parents. When she hides in the barn, she imagines flying above her mother who has been sent to her death in Auschwitz. When Julien is killed by the Nazis, Sara imagines his soul rising to heaven.
The evil prejudice of the Nazis against the Jews results in millions murdered and families, towns, and countries shattered. There is prejudice against Julien who is tormented for his disability from Polio. The bullying he receives mirrors the bullying Auggie received at the hands Sara's grandson.
While Sara is in hiding, she realizes her role in the torment Julien received because of his Polio. She never stood up for him or called him by his real name until he helped her escape the Nazis.The author shows how kindness and empathy defeats fear and hatred.
Most ofWhite Birdtakes place during WWII and illustrates the evil of the Nazis and the devastation they wreakedon Europe. At the end, the author points out refugees fleeing catastrophic wars today and appeals to humanity not to ignore their suffering.
WHITE BIRDTHEMES, SYMBOLS, AND MOTIFS
By Liane Hicks