When I Grow Up

Main Themes and Topics

When I Grow Up by Ken Krimstein masterfully explores themes of resilience, identity, and the impending sense of loss experienced by Jewish youths during the 1930s in Eastern Europe. The book delves into the humanistic philosophy of "he who holds the future, holds the youth," highlighting the urgency and significance of understanding youth perspectives during times of uncertainty. By focusing on autobiographies from a bygone era overshadowed by the looming threat of World War II, Krimstein provides a poignant glimpse into the dreams and fears of these young individuals whose stories were almost lost to history. The narrative is enriched by the broader historical context of the Nazi invasion of Poland and the subsequent loss and recovery of the autobiographies.

Writing Style and Tone

Ken Krimstein employs a compelling graphic narrative style in When I Grow Up, which effectively brings to life the voices of the Jewish youths whose stories are featured. His illustrations add layers of emotion and nuance, making the historical context both accessible and deeply moving. The tone of the book balances a haunting melancholy with a celebratory resonance as it honors the lives and dreams of these young individuals. Krimstein’s writing is both evocative and empathetic, fostering a connection between the reader and the subjects of the autobiographies.

Brief Summary

When I Grow Up is a graphic depiction of the newly uncovered autobiographies of Jewish youths from Eastern Europe during the 1930s. The book uncovers the remarkable history of a unique Autobiography Competition held in 1932, 1934, and 1939, where Jewish scholars collected over 600 texts from young Jewish writers, unaware of the horrors that would soon unfold with the onset of World War II. These texts were lost with the Nazi invasion of Poland, only to be rediscovered in a Lithuanian church cellar decades later. Krimstein focuses on bringing to life six of these youths, injecting their stories with emotional depth and historical context, ultimately transforming these forgotten figures into vibrant, relatable characters.