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Operation Kinderspion #2
Max in the Land of Lies: A Tale of World War II
Max Bretzfeld's dangerous mission begins when he returns home to Berlin as a British spy in the much-anticipated second book in Adam Gidwitz's duology that began with Max in the House of Spies.
Max was on a mission.
Well, two missions.
One mission his British spymasters knew about: infiltrating the Funkhaus, the center of Nazi radio and propaganda.
The other, they did not: finding his parents.
Max Bretzfeld was willing to do anything to return to Germany, even become a British spy. Training complete and forged papers in hand, the radio wunderkind’s mission has begun—gain access to the legendary Funkhaus, the base of operations for the Ministry of Propaganda and Popular Enlightenment headed by Joseph Goebbels.
Max was on a mission.
Well, two missions.
One mission his British spymasters knew about: infiltrating the Funkhaus, the center of Nazi radio and propaganda.
The other, they did not: finding his parents.
Max Bretzfeld was willing to do anything to return to Germany, even become a British spy. Training complete and forged papers in hand, the radio wunderkind’s mission has begun—gain access to the legendary Funkhaus, the base of operations for the Ministry of Propaganda and Popular Enlightenment headed by Joseph Goebbels.
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2025
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Adam Gidwitz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
March 9, 2025
Even better than the first book. I can’t imagine a more important book for kids to pick up right now, while adults that they trust vote for fascists in the hopes of cheaper groceries. “History does not repeat itself. But watch the news, read social media - heck, listen to the radio these days - and you can hear it rhyme.”
March 22, 2025
Max! Don’t go back to Germany!
Well, he did and now what?
He has a lot to do and more to hide.
Yes, belief must again be suspended at unprecedented levels. And yes, Max is the cleverest and luckiest of child spies to infiltrate the heart of the Nazi regime. I didn’t expect to hand out 5 stars again, but with a satisfying ending, which was still heartbreaking, here you go. This book does what it needs to and is throughly engaging as it does it. It shows the horror and pain of an oppressive government. It shows ways many Germans lived with it and even accepted it. It is both gripping and entertaining, emotional and satisfying, and very much a cautionary tale.
52 Book Club25: 50) Set in the 1940s
Well, he did and now what?
He has a lot to do and more to hide.
Yes, belief must again be suspended at unprecedented levels. And yes, Max is the cleverest and luckiest of child spies to infiltrate the heart of the Nazi regime. I didn’t expect to hand out 5 stars again, but with a satisfying ending, which was still heartbreaking, here you go. This book does what it needs to and is throughly engaging as it does it. It shows the horror and pain of an oppressive government. It shows ways many Germans lived with it and even accepted it. It is both gripping and entertaining, emotional and satisfying, and very much a cautionary tale.
52 Book Club25: 50) Set in the 1940s
March 28, 2026
I liked Max in the House of Spies. I *loved* Max in the Land of Lies.
The first book sets the table—introduces Max, explains the Big Lie, gets him trained and parachuted back into Nazi Germany. It’s clever and propulsive and asks genuinely hard questions. But this second book is where Gidwitz fully arrives. Higher stakes, higher emotion, more thought-provoking at every turn. I devoured it.
Max’s mission in this installment takes him inside the Funkhaus—the actual building where Nazi propaganda was manufactured and broadcast to the German people. And what he finds there is not a building full of monsters. It’s a building full of people. People making calculations. People telling themselves stories about why they have no choice. People who, as one character puts it, have thoughts they avoid and feelings they can’t afford to have.
Gidwitz doesn’t let anyone off the hook—not the Nazis, not the British, not the reader. One of the most striking passages in the book wrestles honestly with moral equivalence:
“The Brits have done a lot of evil things over the last many centuries. Most of the terrible things the Germans are doing to their own people, the British have done to others. So how do you compare evil? What do you do? Count the dead? The wounded? The starving?”
It doesn’t resolve neatly. It’s not supposed to. But it lands on something true: that a nation committed to evil—systematically, ideologically, as a project—feels different from evil done in the pursuit of empire. The distinction matters. Gidwitz trusts his young readers to sit with that complexity.
He also includes Hitler’s own words about Christians—that they would betray their God for the sake of their miserable jobs and incomes. And then, quietly, devastatingly: historically, many of them did.
And then there’s this, which I keep coming back to:
“To feel proud, comfortable, and loved, we humans will do and believe anything.”
That’s the thesis of the whole duology, really. Not that evil is perpetrated by monsters. But that ordinary human longing—for belonging, for safety, for dignity—can be weaponized. That the machinery of propaganda doesn’t run on hatred alone. It runs on need.
“They had hoodwinked a nation into serving them. They had broadcast lies, big lies, grand narratives—not to make Germany great again, but to feed their egos, to line their pockets, to quiet their insecurities.”
I don’t think I need to explain why these passages feel urgent right now.
Read this duology. Read it as an adult. Read it to your kids. It is doing the work that the best historical fiction is supposed to do—not just bearing witness to the past, but handing you a lens for the present.
One of the best things I’ve read this year.
The first book sets the table—introduces Max, explains the Big Lie, gets him trained and parachuted back into Nazi Germany. It’s clever and propulsive and asks genuinely hard questions. But this second book is where Gidwitz fully arrives. Higher stakes, higher emotion, more thought-provoking at every turn. I devoured it.
Max’s mission in this installment takes him inside the Funkhaus—the actual building where Nazi propaganda was manufactured and broadcast to the German people. And what he finds there is not a building full of monsters. It’s a building full of people. People making calculations. People telling themselves stories about why they have no choice. People who, as one character puts it, have thoughts they avoid and feelings they can’t afford to have.
Gidwitz doesn’t let anyone off the hook—not the Nazis, not the British, not the reader. One of the most striking passages in the book wrestles honestly with moral equivalence:
“The Brits have done a lot of evil things over the last many centuries. Most of the terrible things the Germans are doing to their own people, the British have done to others. So how do you compare evil? What do you do? Count the dead? The wounded? The starving?”
It doesn’t resolve neatly. It’s not supposed to. But it lands on something true: that a nation committed to evil—systematically, ideologically, as a project—feels different from evil done in the pursuit of empire. The distinction matters. Gidwitz trusts his young readers to sit with that complexity.
He also includes Hitler’s own words about Christians—that they would betray their God for the sake of their miserable jobs and incomes. And then, quietly, devastatingly: historically, many of them did.
And then there’s this, which I keep coming back to:
“To feel proud, comfortable, and loved, we humans will do and believe anything.”
That’s the thesis of the whole duology, really. Not that evil is perpetrated by monsters. But that ordinary human longing—for belonging, for safety, for dignity—can be weaponized. That the machinery of propaganda doesn’t run on hatred alone. It runs on need.
“They had hoodwinked a nation into serving them. They had broadcast lies, big lies, grand narratives—not to make Germany great again, but to feed their egos, to line their pockets, to quiet their insecurities.”
I don’t think I need to explain why these passages feel urgent right now.
Read this duology. Read it as an adult. Read it to your kids. It is doing the work that the best historical fiction is supposed to do—not just bearing witness to the past, but handing you a lens for the present.
One of the best things I’ve read this year.
May 29, 2025
Rarely do I encounter books that have sequels equal or better than their predecessors. This one was such a book.
I’ve been an avid reader of books about WW2 since childhood. These two novels by Alan Gidwitz are some of the most thought-provoking that I’ve read. At the beginning of both books, the author urges the reader to “forget everything one knows about WW2 and the Holocaust”. The reason for that becomes apparent when the reader is presented with details about subjects such as British colonialism, racial division in America, and the National Community of Germans. All of these, and many others, were presented and used as vehicles of propaganda by the Nazis, mostly by radio transmission.
My brain felt twisted after reading such passages. To my relief, the author’s notes at the end showed me that I was not the only one whose mental faculties were affected. Gidwitz himself states in his end notes that at times, rhetoric from “The Most Trusted Voice in Germany” (Hans Fritzsche) that he was listening to for research had him doubting facts about who the aggressors of WW2 actually were. This was because Fritzsche was a master wordsmith, who “used the magic of his own words to convince himself, along with everyone else”.
This book, and the first one, would be excellent tools to use in Y.A. classrooms. Kudos to Adam Gidwitz; I hope he keeps them coming in the future!
I’ve been an avid reader of books about WW2 since childhood. These two novels by Alan Gidwitz are some of the most thought-provoking that I’ve read. At the beginning of both books, the author urges the reader to “forget everything one knows about WW2 and the Holocaust”. The reason for that becomes apparent when the reader is presented with details about subjects such as British colonialism, racial division in America, and the National Community of Germans. All of these, and many others, were presented and used as vehicles of propaganda by the Nazis, mostly by radio transmission.
My brain felt twisted after reading such passages. To my relief, the author’s notes at the end showed me that I was not the only one whose mental faculties were affected. Gidwitz himself states in his end notes that at times, rhetoric from “The Most Trusted Voice in Germany” (Hans Fritzsche) that he was listening to for research had him doubting facts about who the aggressors of WW2 actually were. This was because Fritzsche was a master wordsmith, who “used the magic of his own words to convince himself, along with everyone else”.
This book, and the first one, would be excellent tools to use in Y.A. classrooms. Kudos to Adam Gidwitz; I hope he keeps them coming in the future!
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April 23, 2025Excellent second book in this WWII series. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Adam Gidwitz is a master of tackling difficult topics for the kid audience. He manages to share a dark history with the perfect blend of humor, emotion, tension, and adventure while also making it applicable to present-day issues.
February 9, 2025
Max in the Land of Lies was an incredible follow-up to the Max in the House Spies. The nuances Gidwitz shares to this historical fiction tale with a small magical twist are important, as are his incredible "How Much of this Story is Real" and Annotated Bibliography sections which will help the reader gain even more understanding of the history that makes up the foundation of this story. I am adding Account Rendered to my reading list now.
Thank you to Libro FM for providing me early access to this story. If you are looking to purchase audiobooks that support local book stores then Libro FM is the app for you.
Thank you to Libro FM for providing me early access to this story. If you are looking to purchase audiobooks that support local book stores then Libro FM is the app for you.
March 12, 2025
WW2 political analysis set as historical fiction with a touch of Jewish folklore/mythology. What does Gidwitz want us to notice?
13 year old Max explores how Germany could become a nation that inflicted incredible suffering and cruelty, finding the answer in propaganda and the big lie. This is meant to be read through your 2025 left-leaning glasses…somehow it avoided feeling didactic and was more cautionary. Reminded me of Animal Farm. Not all readers will appreciate a lesson on how Hitler wanted to “make Germany great again.” Kids probably won’t pick up on this layer though.
Plot is fast paced and doesn’t even try to be realistic, but concludes abruptly though satisfactorily.
Very unique and ambitious for middle grade; lots to discuss. Will encourage my kids to read it, but advise 6th grade+.
13 year old Max explores how Germany could become a nation that inflicted incredible suffering and cruelty, finding the answer in propaganda and the big lie. This is meant to be read through your 2025 left-leaning glasses…somehow it avoided feeling didactic and was more cautionary. Reminded me of Animal Farm. Not all readers will appreciate a lesson on how Hitler wanted to “make Germany great again.” Kids probably won’t pick up on this layer though.
Plot is fast paced and doesn’t even try to be realistic, but concludes abruptly though satisfactorily.
Very unique and ambitious for middle grade; lots to discuss. Will encourage my kids to read it, but advise 6th grade+.
April 22, 2025
It takes a lot to put a fresh spin on WWII stories at this point, but Gidwitz knocked it out of the park with this duology!
First off, I loved that this second book started with just a brief overview of book one. Because it’s been a year since the first book came out and realistically, lots of readers have forgotten a few details. This helped me so much.
Second, there are two immortal creatures sitting on Max’s shoulders. Yeah, that’s kind of strange, but if you just go with it, it totally works. I think that it’s an incredibly clever way to solve the “adult problem” in this story aka give Max someone to give him advice when he’s off on his own.
I struggled at times with how flippant Max was with his words. He argued with Nazi’s too much or made little slips that could have gotten him caught. But also, he’s a 13 year old kid. And has only had a few weeks/months of spy training. Ultimately, he played to his strengths of knowing radio and that worked so well.
While I don’t think that our current world is identical to 1941, I really appreciated this part of the author’s note: “History does not repeat itself. But watch the news, read social media—heck, listen to the radio these days—and you can hear it rhyme.” Yes, absolutely the rhymes resonate, of how good people, Christian people, millions of people, can choose to believe Big Lies because we tell ourselves small lies every day. And I appreciated how well the author showed how hard it was to stand up to Hitler. How many normal, average people just got along.
And I’m grateful that this was a duology. Couldn’t have read more? Sure. But this story is complete as it is, even as it has much before it and much after to consider.
First off, I loved that this second book started with just a brief overview of book one. Because it’s been a year since the first book came out and realistically, lots of readers have forgotten a few details. This helped me so much.
Second, there are two immortal creatures sitting on Max’s shoulders. Yeah, that’s kind of strange, but if you just go with it, it totally works. I think that it’s an incredibly clever way to solve the “adult problem” in this story aka give Max someone to give him advice when he’s off on his own.
I struggled at times with how flippant Max was with his words. He argued with Nazi’s too much or made little slips that could have gotten him caught. But also, he’s a 13 year old kid. And has only had a few weeks/months of spy training. Ultimately, he played to his strengths of knowing radio and that worked so well.
While I don’t think that our current world is identical to 1941, I really appreciated this part of the author’s note: “History does not repeat itself. But watch the news, read social media—heck, listen to the radio these days—and you can hear it rhyme.” Yes, absolutely the rhymes resonate, of how good people, Christian people, millions of people, can choose to believe Big Lies because we tell ourselves small lies every day. And I appreciated how well the author showed how hard it was to stand up to Hitler. How many normal, average people just got along.
And I’m grateful that this was a duology. Couldn’t have read more? Sure. But this story is complete as it is, even as it has much before it and much after to consider.
October 12, 2025
Utterly captivating and devastating. I loved book one in this series but Gidwitz leveled up dramatically with book 2, and has written one of them most emotionally compelling depiction of the horrors of Nazi Germany that I have read in middle grade fiction. I would say it’s not for the faint of heart, but how else do we fight like hell to ensure this doesn’t happen again? It was devastating to see so many similarities to what is happening in the US right now, and while we can’t necessarily explicitly make these comparisons in school in middle grades … reading this is a start for our youth.
Source: purchased hardcover
Source: purchased hardcover
July 27, 2025
Max infiltrates the Nazi party in a way only a kid could. The author does a good job presenting the complexity of the time and doesn’t turn every German into a monster. Instead he presents why they became monsters and each individual has different reasons whether they are disappointed by failure or like to be adored by others or want power because their bullies, to name a few. The kobold and dybbuk give some nice comic relief in a dark subject.
November 10, 2025
It was good! It was fast paced and fun. I would recommend this to 13 and up, as it is a bit darker than the first one.
Note: There was a gay character. They don’t mention it except in one sentence and he is a minor character.
Note: There was a gay character. They don’t mention it except in one sentence and he is a minor character.
April 23, 2025
awesome!
January 26, 2026
I read this last summer and forgot to mark it read. Fantastic book, with a very needed message.
Adam Gidwitz hits it out of the park once again!
Adam Gidwitz hits it out of the park once again!
March 6, 2025
Brilliant.
April 5, 2025
Gidwitz does an excellent job of two things often shied away from: 1) Portraying Germans as ordinary people going along with horrible things for a variety of reasons, some more relatable than we'd like 2) Showing that sometimes smart marginalized people fall for propaganda about themselves. No one wants kids today to think slurs about Jewish kids were true, so often fiction skims over the inevitable: a whole society saying you're terrible is going to lead to you wondering if you really are. Well handled here.
Two things distracted me:
1. A successful kid spy is hard to make plausible, especially one who makes as many mistakes as Max understandably does
2. The Nazis proudly refer to themselves as Nazis, a perjorative term they reportedly didn't use among themselves. They also don't really use terms that they DID commonly use among themselves. Everything else was highly researched and detailed, so that was weird.
Two things distracted me:
1. A successful kid spy is hard to make plausible, especially one who makes as many mistakes as Max understandably does
2. The Nazis proudly refer to themselves as Nazis, a perjorative term they reportedly didn't use among themselves. They also don't really use terms that they DID commonly use among themselves. Everything else was highly researched and detailed, so that was weird.
June 30, 2025
Adam Gidwitz is a genius. Somehow in this book (which is just as good if not better than the first one in the series), he surprises the reader with pops of humor despite the heavy topic of early World War II atrocities with the banter between the dybbuk and kobold that live on Max's shoulders. But what really stood out to me was the way Gidwitz created each character with so much nuance (even the "bad" guys). He talks about why he chose to do that in the afterword, which is equally powerful.
I think this one will stay with me for a long time.
P.S. The audiobook narrator is equally brilliant and I highly recommend listening to this if you get the chance.
I think this one will stay with me for a long time.
P.S. The audiobook narrator is equally brilliant and I highly recommend listening to this if you get the chance.
October 16, 2025
Despite not reading the 1st in the series, I was able to thoroughly enjoy this thrilling spy story. I enjoyed the exploration of why Germans became Nazis, or quietly went along with it, and how some tried to oppose it. I also liked how the British didn't come out entirely clean, either, because at the time they had been doing many of the same things in their "British Empire" that Germans were doing. I liked the exploration of lies in various aspects: propaganda, self-preservation, spies, or ego. I also liked some of the real details, such as that concentration camps really did have parking lots.
February 26, 2025
Max in the Land of Lies is the much awaited conclusion to last year's fantastic middle grade historical fiction, Max in the House of Spies.
In the first book, of this WWII adventure series, when twelve year old Max escapes Germany on the Kindertransport, he suddenly discovers that he has two immortal spirits on his shoulders. Only he can see and hear the Dybbuk and Kobold. These two characters provide information and context to both Max and the reader as he finds himself living in a house of spies. They also provide a lot of comic relief to a book with a serious subject. Max did not want to escape and wants to return to Germany and help save his parents. He is a genius and manages to train for a spy mission back in Germany.
It is here that the second book begins. Author Adam Gidwitz spins a yarn with a plot full of danger, twists and lots of coincidence. Gidwitz weaves historical figures into the story with such life, that they seem just as real to the reader as the fictional characters. The strength of this story is that although Max interacts with important historical characters, including Hitler himself, much of the story involves conversations with the average German citizen. The book provides insight into how a nation could follow such a leader and turn a blind eye to all the murder and injustice. This book is well researched and is educational but still provides great entertainment. Although these books are written for a middle grade reader, it is much more serious than book 1. The author provides an extensive afterward which discusses the real versus fiction and provides more information about the holocaust and biographies on the historic figures.
Although the main character is Jewish, this book is for all kids. In the current environment with rising antisemitism and increasing incidence of book bans, this important book might help open the eyes of many youngsters. This is a fantastic read for any historical fiction fan who is interested in that time period. It would also be a great way for teachers to introduce the topic and should be in school libraries.
I received an electronic advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, but this review is entirely voluntary and I can honestly recommend this book.
In the first book, of this WWII adventure series, when twelve year old Max escapes Germany on the Kindertransport, he suddenly discovers that he has two immortal spirits on his shoulders. Only he can see and hear the Dybbuk and Kobold. These two characters provide information and context to both Max and the reader as he finds himself living in a house of spies. They also provide a lot of comic relief to a book with a serious subject. Max did not want to escape and wants to return to Germany and help save his parents. He is a genius and manages to train for a spy mission back in Germany.
It is here that the second book begins. Author Adam Gidwitz spins a yarn with a plot full of danger, twists and lots of coincidence. Gidwitz weaves historical figures into the story with such life, that they seem just as real to the reader as the fictional characters. The strength of this story is that although Max interacts with important historical characters, including Hitler himself, much of the story involves conversations with the average German citizen. The book provides insight into how a nation could follow such a leader and turn a blind eye to all the murder and injustice. This book is well researched and is educational but still provides great entertainment. Although these books are written for a middle grade reader, it is much more serious than book 1. The author provides an extensive afterward which discusses the real versus fiction and provides more information about the holocaust and biographies on the historic figures.
Although the main character is Jewish, this book is for all kids. In the current environment with rising antisemitism and increasing incidence of book bans, this important book might help open the eyes of many youngsters. This is a fantastic read for any historical fiction fan who is interested in that time period. It would also be a great way for teachers to introduce the topic and should be in school libraries.
I received an electronic advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, but this review is entirely voluntary and I can honestly recommend this book.
March 28, 2025
Wow! This is a powerful and gripping narrative about Max, a young Jewish boy returning to Berlin to spy on the Nazis and find his parents, and what he discovers as he navigates the dangers, makes friends, and pursues his dual mission. The research that Adam Gidwitz did about the real people in Nazi leadership and others in Germany provide authenticity that highlights the dangers that Max faces.
March 17, 2025
Wow. Gidwitz does it again. Another powerful middle grade historical with a touch of magical realism that feels both true to the tone of the setting and relevant and compelling in our own time. Strong recommend to middle grade educators, readers of middle grade historical, and readers of middle grade Jewish lit. It is the second of a duology, so be sure to start with Max in the House of Spies.
April 3, 2025
A worthy follow-up. Gidwitz does a stellar job of showing how everyday people fell under Hitler’s yoke and gives us a break-neck plot that entertains and educates. I can’t recommend this duology enough.
March 25, 2025
4.5 stars
March 19, 2025
I just read the last page of this book and I am utterly awestruck, gob-smacked, drop-jawed, speechless. Read in one sitting. Could not put it down. Deep, penetrating questions about human nature, family devotion, little lies and big lies. Tender, funny, inspiring while at the same time brutal, grim and devastating. For mature readers who won’t be surprised by the shocking reality and perplexity of WWII. Beautifully researched. So much thoughtful detail.
January 30, 2025
A satisfying end to this duology, which is a great readalike for Alan Gratz fans.
July 20, 2025
A very empathetic look at Germany during WW2 and the motivations and actions of citizens during the evil - does not let the UK off lightly or over sentimentalise their actions
June 3, 2025
The sequel was even better than the first book. I typically listen to an audio book at an increased speed but by the end I had slowed it down to 1.0 because I didn't want to miss a single word. Such an important story written in a style that is engaging and somehow lighthearted while still maintaining the seriousness of the World War 2 topic. Fantastic job Adam Gidwitz! I want to go back and actually read this series instead of just listening and that is saying a lot for me because I almost exclusively listen to audio books.
January 6, 2026
It is an incredibly tall order to make WII accessible to kids. They have to be wondering how the world let it happen. Adam Gidwitz valiantly tries to answer that question with a story. I feel that the book catches the question and the answer gets lost in too much fantasy. I really struggled with this story because it felt forced for a moral lesson. I completely agree with the lesson and also believe kids can smell a lesson in a story and won’t sit for it.
January 18, 2026
Appreciated the extensive backmatter, which included a list of age-appropriate books for further reading, such as Account Rendered: a Dossier on my Former Self. It helps to have read the first title in this duology. There was much in the plot that required a suspension of belief, such as Max's capabilities. A couple of the best things about this book were the depiction of propaganda and multiple viewpoints on the same subject. Very moving. (I listened to the audio book--very well narrated! and also read some of a hardcopy.)
March 11, 2026
Excellent addition the the WWII historical fiction genre. It is an entertaining, thought-provoking read jam-packed with so much of what was going on at that time. I makes you think about and try to understand how it was possible, how people acted and why, and you might have felt and acted had you been living at that time.
It is wonderful that it is written for a MG audience even tough I, as an adult, feel that I benefited from reading it as well. I feel that it should be required reading for students and will allow for many crucial discussions that will allow children to explore values, belief systems and how they are formed and the impact they have.
As much as the story is wonderful and adventurous, the addendum is very important. First of all, to separate the fact (of which the book is filled with) from the fiction. Secondly, to see the sources and the recommended reading to learn even more. I plan on exploring some of them myself, which I rarely feel inclined to do. But most importantly for the author's own comments about the importance of this book's message to be internalized by all of us.
Yes, there are some things I didn't particulary appreciate. As in the first book, I didn't like the mythical creatures on Max's shoulders. Yes, I had to suspend by adult realization that there is no way a kid would ever be given the opportunity, nor could he do what he did in the book. (But, this *is* meant for MG and they *know* kids could do anything). But all these things are minor in comparison to the fantastic whole.
I don't usually include quotes or excerpts in my reviews (Most of my reviews are just very short record of my basic reaction to a book as I close the back cover.) But, this excerpt from the addendum, albeit lengthy, is so important that I feel a need to copy it out to reinforce it.
"I imagine there will be readers of this book who object to the way I tried to humanize Nazis and Nazi sympathizers. But I did that very intentionally. Too often, books and films about Nazi Germany portray the Nazis as monsters. I think that's a mistake. I think it's crucial to show that the Nazis were humans who acted monstrously. This is important to me not because I care to defend the humanity of Nazis (I don't) but because if we think of Nazis as monsters, it becomes hard for us to see how our neighbors, or our friends, or our parents, or we ourselves might find ourselves following in their footsteps.....These events are not long ago; they are not far away. These people are modern people, who murdered millions upon millions of other modern people as brutally and quickly as they could. And if they could do it we could. If we don't tell stories like this one, and make sure as many young people read them as possible we might do it. It won't look exactly the same. History does not repeat itself. But watch the news, read social media -- heck, listen to the radio these days -- and you can hear it rhyme."
And just for myself, I include some further reading and watching I plan to do:
1. Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre
2. Watch Europa, Europa: based on the amazing memoir of a Jewish boy, Solomon Perl, who survived Nazi Germany by hiding his Jewish identity and joining the Hitler Youth
3. Account Rendered by Melita Maschmann: She was a real person who wrote a searching autobiography about her role in the Holocaust. Growing up, she'd been good friends with a Jewish girl--until Melita betrayed her family to the Nazis. Thankfully, the Jewish family managed to escape Germany. Machmann became a committed Nazi, active in the ethnic cleansing of Poland. After the war, Maschmann wrote her former friend letters, apologizing for her betrayal and trying to explain how she had allowed herself to join the forces of evil. The explanation isn't pretty and it certainly isn't exculpatory. Far from it. But, it is believable and. crucially, comprehensible. She ultimately published these letters in this book. I think it should be read by every class, from 7th grade up, as part of their Holocaust studies. It gives an enlightening explanation of how an average person could become so committed to Nazism.
It is wonderful that it is written for a MG audience even tough I, as an adult, feel that I benefited from reading it as well. I feel that it should be required reading for students and will allow for many crucial discussions that will allow children to explore values, belief systems and how they are formed and the impact they have.
As much as the story is wonderful and adventurous, the addendum is very important. First of all, to separate the fact (of which the book is filled with) from the fiction. Secondly, to see the sources and the recommended reading to learn even more. I plan on exploring some of them myself, which I rarely feel inclined to do. But most importantly for the author's own comments about the importance of this book's message to be internalized by all of us.
Yes, there are some things I didn't particulary appreciate. As in the first book, I didn't like the mythical creatures on Max's shoulders. Yes, I had to suspend by adult realization that there is no way a kid would ever be given the opportunity, nor could he do what he did in the book. (But, this *is* meant for MG and they *know* kids could do anything). But all these things are minor in comparison to the fantastic whole.
I don't usually include quotes or excerpts in my reviews (Most of my reviews are just very short record of my basic reaction to a book as I close the back cover.) But, this excerpt from the addendum, albeit lengthy, is so important that I feel a need to copy it out to reinforce it.
"I imagine there will be readers of this book who object to the way I tried to humanize Nazis and Nazi sympathizers. But I did that very intentionally. Too often, books and films about Nazi Germany portray the Nazis as monsters. I think that's a mistake. I think it's crucial to show that the Nazis were humans who acted monstrously. This is important to me not because I care to defend the humanity of Nazis (I don't) but because if we think of Nazis as monsters, it becomes hard for us to see how our neighbors, or our friends, or our parents, or we ourselves might find ourselves following in their footsteps.....These events are not long ago; they are not far away. These people are modern people, who murdered millions upon millions of other modern people as brutally and quickly as they could. And if they could do it we could. If we don't tell stories like this one, and make sure as many young people read them as possible we might do it. It won't look exactly the same. History does not repeat itself. But watch the news, read social media -- heck, listen to the radio these days -- and you can hear it rhyme."
And just for myself, I include some further reading and watching I plan to do:
1. Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre
2. Watch Europa, Europa: based on the amazing memoir of a Jewish boy, Solomon Perl, who survived Nazi Germany by hiding his Jewish identity and joining the Hitler Youth
3. Account Rendered by Melita Maschmann: She was a real person who wrote a searching autobiography about her role in the Holocaust. Growing up, she'd been good friends with a Jewish girl--until Melita betrayed her family to the Nazis. Thankfully, the Jewish family managed to escape Germany. Machmann became a committed Nazi, active in the ethnic cleansing of Poland. After the war, Maschmann wrote her former friend letters, apologizing for her betrayal and trying to explain how she had allowed herself to join the forces of evil. The explanation isn't pretty and it certainly isn't exculpatory. Far from it. But, it is believable and. crucially, comprehensible. She ultimately published these letters in this book. I think it should be read by every class, from 7th grade up, as part of their Holocaust studies. It gives an enlightening explanation of how an average person could become so committed to Nazism.
November 18, 2024
What worked:
The first chapter offers a surprise as Max gets help and advice from two creatures, one sitting on each shoulder. No one else can see Stein, a Yiddish-speaking dybbuk, and Berg, a German-accented kobold; these characters add humor and novelty to the story. They often question Max’s decisions especially when he makes decisions that may endanger him. These characters have been alive since before there were countries or civilized humans. They provide historical context for Max and readers as they verify or debunk information shared by the Germans. Stein and Berg are stuck to Max and supply him with moral support until he no longer needs it.
The book includes facts about Germany during WW II; some may not be familiar to young readers. They will undoubtedly have heard of Hitler but this story takes place on the streets among everyday German citizens. These people aren’t universally behind the Fuhrer but it’s dangerous for them to speak against their leader. Citizens are on the lookout for traitors so individuals don’t know who might turn them in for something overheard. The story sheds light on how Hitler could take over the country with German citizens angry and struggling after the international community’s WW I sanctions. The book’s last few pages provide factual information about several characters and their roles in WW II. There’s also a section about the horrifying concentration camps.
Max progresses through his mission much faster than expected so the story has a good pace. The early parts of the book share life among the citizens living on the streets of Berlin while the later chapters find Max interacting with various military figures. Meeting German soldiers creates inherent suspense since Max could be executed at any moment for being a Jewish spy. Max (and especially Stein and Berg) is paranoid when meeting military officers since he’s never sure how much information they have on him. Max is alarmed when Hitler’s chief intelligence officer asks Max to confirm details he’s collected about rumors of a young spy entering Germany. Max survives his first encounter but readers will anticipate the inevitable moment when their paths cross again.
What didn’t work as well:
Max frequently takes risks that might reveal himself as a spy. Stein and Berg try to warn him but Max continues to say and do things that could put him in danger. There are times when these risks make sense but he’s rarely careful. The German officers always react in his favor so it feels like Max is unusually lucky. However, the positive outcomes provide insight into the minds of German citizens and help the plot move along.
The final verdict:
The author does a masterful job of sharing Max’s adventure as a spy, navigating Nazi Germany like a small fish in a pool of sharks. A big takeaway from the book is how it enlightens readers about the thoughts and feelings of German people while Hitler rules. It’s a thought-provoking story and I recommend you give it a shot.
The first chapter offers a surprise as Max gets help and advice from two creatures, one sitting on each shoulder. No one else can see Stein, a Yiddish-speaking dybbuk, and Berg, a German-accented kobold; these characters add humor and novelty to the story. They often question Max’s decisions especially when he makes decisions that may endanger him. These characters have been alive since before there were countries or civilized humans. They provide historical context for Max and readers as they verify or debunk information shared by the Germans. Stein and Berg are stuck to Max and supply him with moral support until he no longer needs it.
The book includes facts about Germany during WW II; some may not be familiar to young readers. They will undoubtedly have heard of Hitler but this story takes place on the streets among everyday German citizens. These people aren’t universally behind the Fuhrer but it’s dangerous for them to speak against their leader. Citizens are on the lookout for traitors so individuals don’t know who might turn them in for something overheard. The story sheds light on how Hitler could take over the country with German citizens angry and struggling after the international community’s WW I sanctions. The book’s last few pages provide factual information about several characters and their roles in WW II. There’s also a section about the horrifying concentration camps.
Max progresses through his mission much faster than expected so the story has a good pace. The early parts of the book share life among the citizens living on the streets of Berlin while the later chapters find Max interacting with various military figures. Meeting German soldiers creates inherent suspense since Max could be executed at any moment for being a Jewish spy. Max (and especially Stein and Berg) is paranoid when meeting military officers since he’s never sure how much information they have on him. Max is alarmed when Hitler’s chief intelligence officer asks Max to confirm details he’s collected about rumors of a young spy entering Germany. Max survives his first encounter but readers will anticipate the inevitable moment when their paths cross again.
What didn’t work as well:
Max frequently takes risks that might reveal himself as a spy. Stein and Berg try to warn him but Max continues to say and do things that could put him in danger. There are times when these risks make sense but he’s rarely careful. The German officers always react in his favor so it feels like Max is unusually lucky. However, the positive outcomes provide insight into the minds of German citizens and help the plot move along.
The final verdict:
The author does a masterful job of sharing Max’s adventure as a spy, navigating Nazi Germany like a small fish in a pool of sharks. A big takeaway from the book is how it enlightens readers about the thoughts and feelings of German people while Hitler rules. It’s a thought-provoking story and I recommend you give it a shot.
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