White Bird

Julian, a young boy grappling with regret and isolation, has been struggling to find a place where he belongs ever since he was expelled from his former school for bullying Auggie Pullman, a classmate with a facial difference. Haunted by his past actions and consumed by guilt, Julian finds it difficult to reintegrate into his new school and community. His parents’ attempts to help him adjust do little to ease his inner turmoil, as he wrestles with the consequences of his cruelty toward Auggie. Despite his remorse, Julian feels like an outsider, unsure of how to atone for the damage he caused.

In an effort to help Julian heal and grow, his grandmother, Grandmère, decides to share with him a story she has kept hidden for years—one of survival, courage, and compassion during the dark days of World War II. She recounts her harrowing experience as a young Jewish girl living in Nazi-occupied France, where danger lurked around every corner and survival was far from guaranteed. As the Nazis intensified their persecution of Jews, Grandmère’s life was in constant jeopardy. Her family was torn apart, and she was forced into hiding to evade capture.

In the midst of this terror, a young French boy named Julien emerged as an unexpected hero. Julien, who was just a teenager himself, risked his life to protect Grandmère. He sheltered her in his home, providing her with food, comfort, and a safe place to stay while the world outside became increasingly perilous. Despite the grave risk he faced, Julien showed unwavering kindness and bravery, demonstrating the power of compassion even in the darkest of times. His actions not only saved Grandmère’s life, but also gave her hope in a world consumed by hatred and violence.

As Julian listens to his grandmother’s story, he is deeply moved by the sacrifices made by his namesake and the immense courage it took for Julien to stand up against evil. He begins to see the parallels between his own life and his grandmother’s, recognizing that just as Julien made a choice to act with kindness, he too has the power to make better choices moving forward. Grandmère’s story helps Julian understand that bravery is not only about physical courage, but also about choosing kindness and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

Through his grandmother’s tale, Julian learns that it is never too late to change and make amends. Inspired by the young Julien’s bravery, he resolves to transform his life, to seek forgiveness, and to become a kinder person. Julian realizes that his past actions do not have to define him forever, and that by embracing empathy and compassion, he can forge a new path. In the end, Grandmère’s story serves as a beacon of hope for Julian, guiding him toward redemption and a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly brave.