Aspects of Housing

Title: I Am David
Author: Anne Holm
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc.
ISBN: 0-15-205161-9

Review: David at twelve years of age escaped from a Bulgarian labor camp.  From his earliest memories he has been a prisoner of the camp; therefore, functioning alone in the world outside of confinement was a daily, almost moment-by-moment, trial.  Issues of trust loom large and complicate every aspect of living—food, shelter, and clothing. 

Upon his escape, David was provided a compass, a piece of bread, and vague directions to seek refuge in Denmark by a guard who aided his leaving.  David’s strong will and wisdom, which had been nurtured by an adult prisoner, were discovered by him throughout the journey, and provided him with the tenacity to move forward. 

Suggested Questions/Discussion Points:

1. How does the time period in which David lived make this a believable story?
2. Would the story have been set  in today’s world?
3. Was it environmental factors or genetics that effected David’s facial expression and eyes?
4. Reflect upon David’s impressions of the first home in which he was invited to enter. 
5. Is play a learned or a natural (innate) behavior? 
6. Conduct a survey on how the students think the story ended.  Did David and his mother immediately pick up life? Did they each have adjustment difficulties?  Why didn’t the author continue the story? Have the students continue the story either by telling or writing an ending.
7. Do a background search on the book, author, and the time period.
8. Research post World War II Labor Camps in Eastern Europe.

Follow Up:  In 2004, Lions Gate Films produced I Am David (rated PG).  If your school permits, the film could be shown after the book has been read.  Allow the students to compare and contrast the book and movie.  Why were certain aspects completely changed in the movie from the author’s depiction?   Which ending do the students prefer, the book or the film? Did the film cast mirror your mental image of the characters in the book?
Educational websites are available for the book and film.  Go to http://www.walden.com/walden/read/david/index.php and/or www.iamdavidmovie.com/.