1. Why did Ms Gruwell have the Freedom Writers study the Holocaust and meet Holocaust
survivors?

Because no one in the class knew what the Holocaust was, Ms Gruwell decided to bring history to life by using new books, inviting guest speakers (for example: Miep Gies) and by going on field trips.
Ms Gruwell wants the students to stop the violence and to understand why racism exists.
She wants her students to become goods people and friendly with each other.
It’s important for the students to know about the Holocaust.
During Holocaust, a lot of Jews were exterminated by the Nazis and this part of history should not be repeated by teenagers around the world.


2. How did the Freedom Writers relate to Anne Frank? Give examples.
They invited Miep Gies, who is the courageous woman who sheltered Anne Frank and her family.
Miep Gies is a hero for them because of what she did. Few people would normally have done that, she risked her life to protect a Jew. The Freedom Writers’ life looks like Anne Frank’s. There is discrimination, racial tensions, violence in their lives… Anne Frank was the same age as them.


3. In what way Zlata Filipovic impacted the students’ lives? Give examples from several writers. What really surprised the Freedom writers?

Zlata is young. She saw her friends die like the Freedom Writers. They are very surprised because Zlata looks like them. Zlata Filipovic lived in Sarajevo where a war began. It’s very sad and they must understand that violence it’s unacceptable! Zlata give them hope. There is a parallel between Anne Frank and Zlata. However, Anne Frank and her family didn’t survive, but Zlata and her Family did.

Like the Freedom Writers Zlata wrote a diary.