Project Overview: Congratulations! After careful consideration, we are writing to inform you that you have been selected to contribute to the unique and esteemed Tin Library. This is a high honor bestowed onto only a select handful of individuals every year following a rigorous screening process. As you may or may not be aware, the origins of the Tin Library are known only to the select few individuals entrusted with its upkeep and maintenance.

Below You will find all of the necessary instructions needed to successfully complete your submission to the Tin Library. Please feel free to contact Mr. Trible with any questions or concerns that you may have, as he will be acting as our local managing director for this year’s submissions. As always, thank you so much for the meticulous care and effort we know you will invest moving forward with this project. We shall be eagerly awaiting your submissions!

As part of your submission, you must include three supporting materials within your tin to help capture the “essence” of your book to a potential reader. Ex: A tin about The Great Gatsby might have a supporting material of a green LED to symbolize the “green light.” A brief explanation must be included for each piece of supporting material so a potential reader can know the significance it has relating to the book.

Content Overview of the book can include, but is not limited to, the following:
Description of the main characters (if fiction, you may also include who the protagonist and antagonist are)
Description of the setting where the story takes place.
What is the main conflict or plot of the story?

Tin presentations will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 10th which means you will need to have finished reading your Q2 independent reading book ideally before the week prior to give yourself adequate time to prepare your tin.

Tin exterior is highly detailed in design and appearance. It is obvious that the student has spent real effort on tin exterior. Title of the book is clearly visible.

Tin interior is highly detailed in design and appearance. It is obvious that the student has spent real effort on tin interior.

Tin contains intriguing information about the book. Audience gains valuable insights about what they can expect to read about in the book.

Student has thoroughly explored the presence of a chosen main idea/theme throughout their book. More than one piece of evidence is chosen to support this main idea/theme from various locations in the book. Student’s own thinking is detailed in how evidence supports main idea/theme.

Chosen book excerpt is powerful in its ability to hook the audience into wanting to read more. There is ample explanation as to why this excerpt was chosen.

At least three supporting materials are present within tin. A brief explanation of what they symbolize in the book is present within tin.

Do this about the book Prisoner b3087

1 answer

Project Submission for the Tin Library: Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz


Book Overview
Title: Prisoner B-3087
Author: Alan Gratz
Genre: Historical Fiction

Description of Main Characters:

  • Wolfgang "Janus" Gruber: The protagonist, a young Jewish boy facing the horrors of the Holocaust. His resilience and spirit aid him in surviving the trials he encounters.
  • Mr. Schiendick: The antagonist, a cruel and brutal guard who embodies the oppressive forces of the Nazi regime.
  • Other Concentration Camp Inmates: A diverse group of characters who represent different perspectives and experiences of survival and friendship amidst despair.

Description of the Setting:
The story is set in various locations across Europe during World War II, primarily in concentration camps, including Plaszow, Auschwitz, and other work camps. These settings highlight the dire and harrowing conditions faced by prisoners, steeped in fear and survival.

Main Conflict/Plot:
The main conflict revolves around Janus's struggle for survival during the Holocaust as he is separated from his family and forced into numerous concentration camps. The narrative follows his journey through inhumane conditions, desperation, and the impactful bonds formed with fellow prisoners. The story ultimately underscores themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit’s quest for freedom amidst oppression.


Tin Presentation Details

Exterior Design of the Tin:
The exterior of the tin will feature a dark and somber color scheme, reminiscent of the Holocaust era, with an etched image of a barbed wire fence to symbolize confinement and oppression. The title "Prisoner B-3087" will be prominently displayed in stark white lettering to represent hope standing out against darkness.

Interior Design of the Tin:
Inside the tin, there will be a collage of images depicting key moments from the story: the cramped barracks of the concentration camps, snippets of the friendships formed among prisoners, and symbols of hope like stars representing the sky Janus longs to see again. This collage visually encapsulates Janus’s journey and emotional landscape throughout the story.


Supporting Materials

  1. Barbed Wire Replica:
    Significance: A small piece of barbed wire represents the physical and emotional confinement that Janus and millions endured during the Holocaust. It encapsulates the fear and danger of life within the concentration camps, mirroring the struggles against oppression.

  2. Star of David:
    Significance: A Star of David symbolizes Janus's Jewish identity and his connection to his heritage. It represents his family's faith and history, which is severely tested throughout the narrative. The star serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Jewish people during such adversities.

  3. Bread Crust:
    Significance: A bread crust symbolizes survival and the basic struggle for sustenance that Janus faces throughout the story. It represents the scarcity of food within the concentration camps and the lengths to which he goes to keep hope alive and survive against all odds.


Main Idea/Theme Exploration

Chosen Theme: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Evidence and Analysis:

  • Evidence 1: Janus's determination to survive, even when faced with the loss of loved ones and the brutality of his captors, reflects a profound resilience. Throughout his ordeals, he refuses to lose hope.
  • Evidence 2: The friendships formed in the camps serve as a source of strength for Janus, showing that connections with others can help bolster the human spirit even in the darkest times. This is evident when he relies on his fellow prisoners for emotional support and companionship.

Powerful Book Excerpt

A powerful excerpt chosen for this tin is when Janus reflects on his lost family and the fleeting moments of kindness he experiences amidst the cruelty of the camps. This passage is selected for its emotional depth, showcasing the stark contrast between horror and human compassion. It serves to hook the audience by highlighting the profound aspects of humanity amid such unfathomable events, enticing readers to learn more about Janus's journey and what it means to endure.


This presentation aims to capture the essence of Prisoner B-3087, conveying the emotional weight and significance of Janus's story while providing insights that encourage others to engage deeply with his experiences. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to contribute to the esteemed Tin Library!