Linked Review

swastika

the official emblem of the Nazi party and the Third Reich

anti-Semitism

Prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards Jews based on their religion, ethnicity, or heritage.

Holocaust

The systematic genocide of six million Jews by the Nazis during World War II. It involved mass killings, forced labor, and concentration camps.

white supremacy

Belief in the superiority of the white race, often leading to discrimination and prejudice against non-white individuals.

KKK

Klu Klux Klan; an American white supremacist group that targeted minority groups

tolerance

The ability to accept or endure something different or disagreeable without reacting negatively or becoming intolerant.

vandalism

The intentional destruction, defacement, or damage of property without permission, often done as an act of rebellion or to express dissatisfaction.

minority

A group of people that make up a smaller portion of a population, often facing social, economic, or political disadvantages due to their smaller numbers.

synagogue

A place of worship for Jewish people, often characterized by its distinct architectural features and religious rituals. It serves as a gathering space for prayer, study, and community events.

bar mitzvah/ bat mitzvah

Coming of age ceremony in Judaism, typically for boys/girls at age 13. Marks transition into adulthood and responsibility for observing Jewish laws and traditions. Includes reading from the Torah and delivering a speech. Celebrated with family, friends, and a festive meal.

rabbi

A religious leader in Judaism, knowledgeable in Jewish law and teachings, who guides the community in matters of faith, conducts religious services, and offers spiritual guidance and counseling.

perpetrator

A person who commits a crime or wrongdoing.

bigot

A person who holds strong, prejudiced beliefs and discriminates against individuals or groups based on their race, religion, ethnicity, or other characteristics.

genocide

Systematic and deliberate extermination of a specific racial, ethnic, or religious group, often involving mass killings, torture, and displacement.

The Night of a Thousand Flames

in the novel, an event led by the KKK in Chokecherry in the 1970’s that many townspeople denied

Chokecherry

the city in Denver where Linked takes place

Michael Amorosa

Dominican student who is president of the art club and is in charge of counting the paper chains

Mr. Kennedy

school custodian who initially thinks Michael is responsible for the first swastika

Lincoln (Link) Rowley

popular 7th grader who is known as a prankster and is responsible for drawing the first swastika to get his father’s attention

Jordie Duros

one of Link’s buddies who is suspected of being the swastika vandal when paint is found on his shirt

Pouncey

one of Link’s buddies who has a difficult home life and whose grandfather was a member of the KKK

Pamela (Pam)

was dating Jordie and feels no remorse for drawing all the rest of the swastikas around the school

George Rowley

Link’s father who is the biggest real estate agent in town; his dream is to turn Chokecherry into the next Dinoland

Dana Levinson

the only Jewish student in the school who helps Link prepare for his bar mitzvah

Principal Brademas

holds an assembly after the first swastika is found where he announces the start of tolerance education

Caroline McNutt

7th grade class president who tells everyone that Link will be present at her student council meeting

Ryan Levinson

Dana’s little brother who they try to protect from the anti-Semitism occurring in town

Dr. Levinson

Dana’s father, a scientist, who works for the Wexford-Smythe University

Adam Tok

YouTube personality who camps out in front of the school to conduct interviews regarding the vandalism

Erik Federov

8th grade bully who makes discriminatory comments toward Dana on her way home from school

Rabbi Gold

helps Link study for his bar mitzvah over Zoom

What is the point of view of the novel?

first person; alternating perspectives

What is the main conflict (or problem) in the novel Linked?

Anti-Semitism via the drawing of several swastikas at Chokecherry Middle School

How is the main conflict (or problem) in the novel resolved?

by creating the paper chain project in memory of the 6 million Jewish people who lost their lives during the Holocaust