Chapter 3 lingers in suspense of what will happen to the family. Readers may want to hold onto a sense of optimism while reading, but they already know the Blumenthals do not escape. Regardless, the book sets the audience up to maintain hope. As the violence breaks out and Kristallnacht takes places, the hope seems to disappear. I thought the pictures between the 3rd and 4th chapter provided a strong reinforcement to the fact that this book is a true story. The pictures alone might be a better way of teaching younger children about this dark time in history. A less in depth and specific account may be more suiting.
Chapter 4 continues the struggle in attempt to escape. Although getting out of Germany was near impossible due to the increasing influence of the Nazi party. Even leaving the country did not mean safety, only a temporary haven. It ends with the departure to the railroad, and yet another cliffhanger.
After completing four chapters of this book, I am rather convinced that I would not use it in any classroom below about sixth grade. I feel that this book is way too heavy for younger readers to handle. Even if the words are at their level, the subject manner is not. Education of the Holocaust, if it even were to take place in elementary school, should be less in depth a of a broader nature. Such extensive evil existing in the real world should not be added to the plate of what a child already fears from the fictitious world.
I do agree with your evaluation of the book as one that would be much too heavy for children below sixth grade. In fact, many adults have difficulty dealing with this content. However, the Holocaust is part of the NYS 6th grade curriculum. Thinking about how to approach it needs to be thought through carefully.
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