Author: David Chotjewitz (trans. by Doris Orgel)Publication: New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pub. Date: 2004
ISBN: 0689857470
Pages: 298
Summary: In 1933, best friends Armin and Daniel admire Hitler and want nothing more than to join the Hitler youth. As anti-Semitism bouys Hitler to power though, life in their beloved Hamburg becomes nightmarish. The situation becomes even worse when Daniel learns that he is half-Jewish, and Armin has to choose between his friend and the Nazis. Interspersed chapters reveal details about Daniel and Armin's reunion in 1945.
Major Characters: Daniel Krushaar, Armin Hillmann
Comments: In this book Chotjewitz does an amazing job of illustrating how the Jews went from being respected members of society to being treated like animals. To do this, he successfully builds the tension between friends and family members. Although the story has some pretty tense moments, this is not one for teens who are looking for high adventure and intrigue. The appeal of the story lies in the psychological battles that each character has to endure. Selected as a Batchelder Honor Book.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Level: 14+
Rating: 4/5
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