A Storm Unleashed

by Carol Matas

After losing her mother as a young girl, twelve-year-old Mia is living in Berlin with her veterinarian father and beloved German shepherd, Max. Mia tries to focus on her hobbies, her studies and her trips to her grandparents' farm where she cares for the animals she loves. But it's 1935, and life has changed radically for Mia and her Jewish father over the last two years. Antisemitism is now official state policy. At school, Mia is vilified and treated cruelly by her teachers and fellow students. Outside of school, she witnesses violence against her friends and family. And then suddenly a girl from the Nazi Youth tries to take Max. From that moment on, life becomes more and more dangerous for Mia and her father--who is now being forced to help the Nazis train Hitler's army of dogs. Mia and her best friend, Frieda, must come up with a plan to navigate this new reality. But could it cost Mia more than she realises?

Genres: Jewish, Middle Grade

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING!
FRTC.

[Romy Kehat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book with a different plot than most WW2 Jewish historical fiction. Absolutely loved it and would read it again❤️

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this because I have an upcoming PD with the author about this book. I couldn’t put it down. Matas’ writing is so lucid, with a great voice, flow and pace. The story itself is an angle that I have never read about before: Hitler’s army of dogs. It was fascinating and something that I did not know about but it is well known there were always dogs with the officers.

The characters are well-rounded and lovable, minus the Nazi’s of course that really get under your skin. Another angle I haven’t really read about is the German people that were against the Nazi Party. We know there had to be some and that it was extremely dangerous for them as well. But also, the general joy and excitement common civilians had when Jews were being beaten, humiliated or hurt really punched you in the gut.

I see the references also that are drawn towards the rise of Nazi Germany and the USA today: trade, directing blame towards minority groups, and the gleefulness of violence towards minorities. Is there a war on the rise? Will we be targeted?

Overall, I really loved this book. I plan on reading it to my students as a read aloud and I can’t wait to hear more from the author.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of A STORM UNLEASHED and had to sit with it for a bit before I could put my thoughts into a review. It is a powerful and, at times, raw and terrifying fictionalized, but no less harrowing, story of one girl’s account in Nazi Germany.

Despite this book being set in 1935, during the rise of Hitler, so much of what Mia experiences could easily be written about today’s rise in disinformation, propaganda, and antisemitism: “It is an odd feeling knowing a large portion of the country believes things that are simply not true. I can’t help but wonder if I also believe things that aren’t true. If so, how would I know?”

A relatable, if difficult, read that will keep kids turning the page to find out what happens to Mia and her beloved dog, Max, while sneakily teaching them about history, democracy, a little philosophy, and what could come again if we aren’t careful.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is a middle school book...I think even adults will be moved and concerned after reading this book. Matas gives an excellent clear description of what happened as Hitler came slowly to power in Germany. It is scary as we watch what is happening here in the US right now....

[Caitlyn Unruh · Rating 5 out of 5]

proofread for the library. I think it will pass. Very interesting and a unique story. reveals WW2 history in Germany from a Jewish perspective without being to graphic for young readers.