Life in a Jar

Written by Jack Mayer

Narrated by Patrick Lawlor

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 sixty 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."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Oct 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781494587932

Reviews for Life in a Jar

[Chris Clarke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read dozens of books on the Holocaust and surrounding events; I feel that this one has had the greatest impact on me, especially looking inward - to make myself a better person.

[suesbooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The content of this book was educational and important. It was inspirational to learn about Irena and her colleagues who saved Jewish children from the Holocaust. I also liked learning about the people in Kansas who worked so hard to bring this story to light. I was not pleased with the writing and was very surprised to learn that Michael Lowenthal, a gifted storyteller was thanked for his editing.

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is such an amazing book. I first learned about Irena Sendler in another excellent book I had read, "The Medallion" by Cathy Gohlke. Cathy had listed this book as a reference. What an amazing story! Not only Irena's story but also that of these teenagers. From now on, whenever I hear about atrocities happening in our world today or read about past atrocities, I will remember that there are still good and decent people in the world who God raises up to help the suffering. There are many unsung heroes who do tremendous work out of the goodness of their hearts. Although I don't believe I could have done what Irena and the others did, I would like to believe that I would have kept her secret safe.

[niquetteb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great telling of how a group of young high school students came upon the story a woman who saved thousands of childrens' lives. I liked the writing style that gave a little sense of suspense and the photos were a wonderful addition as well!

[busyreadin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another WWII story that I've never heard about. What started as a school project became an international event.

[tfs93 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How a group of teenage girls in Kansas come to tell the story of Irena Sendler a hero of the Holocaust. I have read other stories about Irena but this is my favorite. I enjoyed her interacting with the teens and getting to see the horrors of the Holocaust through the teen girls eyes. This one will touch your heart and may make you cry, but the story will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

[amandakerr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Touching, Riveting, And Inspirational StoryLife in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project is a wonderfully written, well told story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker, who organized a rescue network of fellow social workers to save 2,500 Jewish children from certain death in the Warsaw ghetto during WWII.The story is inspiring, touching, and riveting. Highly Recommended!!!!

[amanda_e-471552 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Touching, Riveting, And Inspirational Story

Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project is a wonderfully written, well told story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker, who organized a rescue network of fellow social workers to save 2,500 Jewish children from certain death in the Warsaw ghetto during WWII.

The story is inspiring, touching, and riveting.

Highly Recommended!!!!