Author Dr. Joseph Taler Visits Severna Park Elementary School

It was time for storytelling at (SPES) on Wednesday, but of a different kind, when Dr. Joseph Taler shared his experiences of living in Poland during World War II with fifth graders in the media center.

SPES fifth-grade teacher Amanda Finnis invited Taler to come speak to her students to coincide with their reading of Number the Stars by Louis Lowry. Taler has written three books:  In Search of Heroes, Waiting for Another Day and Polish Indians and Short Stories.

Hand-drawn maps of Poland, pictures of his youth and family, employment documents from working on the railroad in 1942, and diagrams of his living quarters were shared with the students as Taler talked about his life growing up Jewish in Poland during World War II.

"This is living history right here, not many children get the opportunity to talk to a survivor," said Lynn Birus, principal at SPES.

"They are actually getting a respect for what he went through," she said. "I'm moved by the fact that you meet someone real who can tell you about it—it's very special."

Taler recalled for the students his life in Europe during the war and living under a false identity provided to him by the Polish Christian undergound. He also offered a glimpse into the daily life of bartering for food and his living conditions.

At the end of the hour-long talk, it was time for questions. At least 10 hands were raised and waving at the chance to have their question answered by the special guest.

A student asked, "Can you say something in Polish?"

Taler is fluent in Polish and it's "the only language I speak without an accent," he responded.

Another student asked, "Did you ever meet Hitler?"

He answered "no."

Another student asked, "What was your favorite invention?"

Taler responded, "Television, of course!"

He told students the visit was the "highlight of his life."

To learn more about Taler and his family, visit his website.

Editor's Note: This article has been changed (4/11/2011) to reflect the name of the book the students were reading to coincide with Dr. Taler's visit. The correct name of the book is Number the Stars by Louis Lowry. We apologize for the error.