Kids, students, and life-long readers,
"Sometimes we have to sacrifice good people to win the war."
"Sometimes you do what you have to do, even if it means doing something wrong."
These phrases test our characters throughout this historical fiction novel set in Berlin during the heat of World War 2. Michael and his parents are living in Berlin as ambassadors from neutral Ireland, but are really serving as spies for the Allies. There are some plot lines intertwined in this dangerous world of espionage.
- Michael needs to conquer his fear of heights to pass the Hitler Youth test to become an SD, and help his friend Fritz, a weaker bullied teenager, do the same. Michael needs to get closer to Fritz to steal his father's plan for a top-secret airplane being planning by the Nazis named Projekt 1065. Will Michael's trust in Fritz pay off, or will it cost him everything?
- Simon, a British pilot, crashed down into enemy lines, and Michael and his parents are harboring this fugitive. They need to find a way for him to escape along with the Projekt 1065 plans, but at what costs and at what sacrifices.
- An assassination attempt is being planned to take out a scientist working on the Manhattan Project for the atomic bomb. Can Michael find a way to stop this assassination attempt that will be taking place in Switzerland?
This historical fiction novel is filled with interesting historical facts about life in Berlin during World War 2 from bombing raids, anti-aircraft guns, Kristallnacht, and even the Eidelwise pirates. The larger theme of this novel involves sacrifice. Michael continually struggles with the decisions he needs to make and what is the greater good. Is it worth it to sacrifice one life to continue to fight against the Nazis and win the war which could save thousands? Readers will be able to make many connections to what would they do if they were in Michael's shoes.
Overall, this novel is filled with suspense as our characters' lives are faced with many dangers which makes this book hard to put down.
AUTHOR: Alan Gratz
GENRE: Historical Fiction
GRADES 6-8
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