Second Place Winner (tie)

The Diary of Joni Shivich
Author: Emma Fraser (6th grade)
Linton Middle School

Nov. 25, 1942

Dear Journal: Today, we were taken to some place far away. German soldiers packed us into small carts and put us into what I thought was like a summer camp, only scary and harsh. We had all of our possessions taken from us. But I hid you from them. I hope they do not find you.

Nov. 26, 1942

Dear Journal: The Nazis woke us up early in the morning, and we didn’t even get to eat any breakfast. I was sleeping in one bed with three other girls. There are flies and bedbugs in the cabins, and it is dark and musty. After we got up, soldiers marched us out to the fences and separated us into children and adults; men and women; boys and girls. I was separated from my mother, father and brothers. I was with other girls who also were separated from their parents. Some even lost them. They lined us up and cut our hair. They told us we’d be working in the fields and would get two meals. For dinner, we got cold soup and stale bread and then, back to those musty cabins, sleeping in squished, itchy, buggy beds. I wish I were home.

Nov. 27, 1942

Dear Journal: I am starting to feel sick and tired. I’m not sure if I can make it. The fever is going around, and a lot of people have it. Some have died from it. I sometimes see my mother or father on the other side of the fence, but I never get to talk or say “hello.” One of my brothers, Benny, has taken ill. Another, Erich, has died. I feel lost without the love of my family.

Jan. 9, 1943

Dear Journal: I’m sorry I did not write in you for almost two months now. I’ve been busy working in the winter fields. I’m very cold and tired. That’s no excuse. I should have kept up. The fever epidemic is still here. Many girls in my cabin have died. I’ve made some new friends. One, Abbey Hendrich, had been taken from her home along with her mother and twin sister, Rebecka. She and I wished we could do something for the New Year. My family believes we should begin the New Year with a fresh start. I heard that some people were shot for celebrating the New Year. They were too loud, and the Nazis heard them, came into their cabin, and shot seven men. Now, I know they’ll shoot you for anything. I’m scared, for myself and my parents. Sometimes, I think, “What if they die?” What will I do? What will I feel like knowing that my parents are dead? What’s even worse is not knowing. Wonder can sometimes be frightening.

Jan. 12, 1943

Dear Journal: Today, I found out that my father is gone. I hadn’t seen him on the other side of the fence lately. Yesterday, I saw my mother, and she looked worried. Tears are in my eyes just talking about this. I know I’ll cry just thinking about him. Why have so many innocent men and women, girls and boys died for no reason? The Nazis are bad people.

Jan. 13, 1943

Dear Journal: Tomorrow is the day we take a shower. Finally. Abbey is going away for medical research with her twin sister. She told me the soldiers will let her come back. She knows about you and is worried that you might get taken away. I told her that if anything ever happened to me, she could take care of you. I know I can trust Abbey. She’s such a good friend. Jan. 14, 1943 Dear Joni’s Journal: This is Abbey. The Nazis didn’t really give them a shower. They tricked them! It was a gas chamber! I can’t believe Joni’s gone. I’m not used to this. Not the death of a friend. Not the fact that we’re trapped in this horrible place surrounded by a thousand of those soldiers. None of it! I’m lucky because I have a twin. Joni was a good person, but here, they don’t care who you are. They care only if you are a twin or have blonde hair and blue eyes, which I don’t understand because Adolf Hitler had brown hair and brown eyes. I’ll always remember Joni.