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Life in a Jar

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About this listen

During World War II, Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker, organized a rescue network of fellow social workers to save 2,500 Jewish children from certain death in the Warsaw ghetto. Incredibly, after the war her heroism, like that of many others, was suppressed by communist Poland and remained virtually unknown for 60 years. Unknown, that is, until three high school girls from an economically depressed, rural school district in southeast Kansas stumbled upon a tantalizing reference to Sendler's rescues, which they fashioned into a history project, a play they called Life in a Jar. Their innocent drama was first seen in Kansas, then the Midwest, then New York, Los Angeles, Montreal and finally Poland, where they elevated Irena Sendler to a national hero, championing her legacy of tolerance and respect for all people.

Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project is a Holocaust history and more. It is the inspirational story of Protestant students from Kansas, each called in her own complex way to the history of a Catholic woman who knocked on Jewish doors in the Warsaw ghetto and, in Sendler's own words, "tried to talk the mothers out of their children".

©2011 Jack Mayer (P)2015 Tantor 20th Century Europe Military Modern War Holocaust Survival Kansas

Critic reviews

"A gripping real-life tale of extraordinary courage that had an enduring impact." ( Kirkus)
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Amazing story about extraordinary brave woman and the need of her heart. I strongly recommend it.

the need of a heart

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Why is it narrated by a man when other than the teacher all the characters are women particularly the heroic Irena. Great book though

Amazing woman but…..

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Oh my word what an incredible true life story, what a courageous lady and the people who helped her in war torn Poland in WW2, so emotional, I cried and smiled in places, what incredible young girls to take the history and research of this amazing woman Irena Sendler I was so pleased that they got to meet her and talk to her, an incredible book, narration was amazing too helped set the scenes so well

incredible true story compelling informative

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A moving story brought about by a history project in Kansas USA. The second part of the story takes you through day to day life of occupied Poland and the daily struggles of the people of Warsaw in particular the segregated Jewish community in the infamous Warsaw Ghetto. I will share this book and its facts with my children so future generations learn from the mistakes made during this awful time. A book about human courage and the need for tolerance. The world needs more people like Irena Sendler.

Life in a Jar - The Irena Sendler story is as I thought it would be an amazingly touching story of many brave people during WWII

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excellent portrail of a very courteous person. amazing actions by the girls and teacher. very happy to recommend this book to anyone who likes history, particularly about the Holocaust.

Excellent story

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