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Run Like Jäger
When Canadian teen Kurt Schreiber goes to Germany to find out what his grandfather did during World War II, he learns more than he bargained for. A lot more.
Kurt's opa--grandfather--has never been willing to talk about his time as a German soldier, so Kurt has some deep concerns about what he might have done during the war. He's seen the movies, like Schindler's List, and he hopes and prays his grandfather couldn't have been involved in atrocities. Spending a year in Germany to do language training seems like a good chance to find out more, or at least to improve his German.
One day, he visits the graveyard in the town he's staying in, just outside Berlin. An old man speaks to him, calling him by his grandfather's name, which was also Kurt Schreiber. It is Herr Brandt, the elder Schreiber's life-long friend. Kurt gets to know this man--the only one who can tell him all about his grandfather's time in the war--because he was there.
Kurt learns about his grandfather's childhood in the Hitler Youth and his time in the German army, on the Eastern Front. Herr Brandt doesn't try to minimize the horror of those times or to absolve himself of responsibility as a soldier. But through his story, Kurt comes to understand how as children, and later as young men, the two were drawn into participation in a war based on lies. This wonderfully written and carefully researched novel tells a story that illuminates history and fills in the texture and complexity that lie behind the bare facts.
Karen Bass has been interested in World War II since childhood. She began writing shortly after she was hired to manage a local library, and her stories and articles have been published in local newspapers, magazine and anthologies, and nationally in Writers Circle Nine and the Canadian Writer's Journal.
Kurt's opa--grandfather--has never been willing to talk about his time as a German soldier, so Kurt has some deep concerns about what he might have done during the war. He's seen the movies, like Schindler's List, and he hopes and prays his grandfather couldn't have been involved in atrocities. Spending a year in Germany to do language training seems like a good chance to find out more, or at least to improve his German.
One day, he visits the graveyard in the town he's staying in, just outside Berlin. An old man speaks to him, calling him by his grandfather's name, which was also Kurt Schreiber. It is Herr Brandt, the elder Schreiber's life-long friend. Kurt gets to know this man--the only one who can tell him all about his grandfather's time in the war--because he was there.
Kurt learns about his grandfather's childhood in the Hitler Youth and his time in the German army, on the Eastern Front. Herr Brandt doesn't try to minimize the horror of those times or to absolve himself of responsibility as a soldier. But through his story, Kurt comes to understand how as children, and later as young men, the two were drawn into participation in a war based on lies. This wonderfully written and carefully researched novel tells a story that illuminates history and fills in the texture and complexity that lie behind the bare facts.
Karen Bass has been interested in World War II since childhood. She began writing shortly after she was hired to manage a local library, and her stories and articles have been published in local newspapers, magazine and anthologies, and nationally in Writers Circle Nine and the Canadian Writer's Journal.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
1 person is currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Karen Bass
14 books71 followersKaren's high school teacher told her she should be a writer, but it took quite a few years for that thought to take root. She began writing shortly after she was hired to manage the local library. Run Like Jager is her first novel, and she has seven more on her published shelf. Two novels, Graffiti Knight and Uncertain Soldier, won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young Readers. Her newest novel, Blood Donor, is an Orca Soundings book for readers who like short, exciting stories, and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Star Selection.
A few years ago, Karen moved from her long-time home in northwest Alberta, to southern Ontario, where she is enjoying exploring a whole new province as she gathers new story ideas.
A few years ago, Karen moved from her long-time home in northwest Alberta, to southern Ontario, where she is enjoying exploring a whole new province as she gathers new story ideas.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 23, 2009
I wasn't completely sure what to expect from this book. It was good, but in a different way. I wasn't captivated by the story, but I think that was mostly because I had a lot going on while I was reading this and the book had a steady pace. It didn't have huge climactic moment (although I guess this is debatable), instead you are given information slowly, not giving away everything at once.
Quick overview: Kurt Shreiber is a Canadian boy who's in Germany for an exchange student program. He shares the name of his grandfather. Peter Neumeyer (a boy bullying Kurt) gives them both another name. Feigling (coward). Kurt doesn't know why anyone would call his grandfather a coward. Seeing as his grandfather never talks about what he did during the war, Kurt starts looking for answers in the town his grandfather grew up in. And he finds them in the form of Herr Brandt, an old man he sees at the cemetery who says he was friends with his grandfather. Reluctantly at first, Herr Brandt starts to tell the story of their childhood growing up in Nazi Germany and what it was exactly that his grandfather did during the war. Through Herr Brandt's stories, Kurt starts getting answers, but then finds that they are not the answers he wanted to hear.
At the beginning I was frustrated at how little information I was getting. It felt too slow, but I think that it's meant to show you how Kurt feels. I was also frustrated at how fast Kurt was to assume that his grandfather was a monster before hearing the whole story. Although it took a while, Kurt starts to see the young man his grandfather really was. I loved the friendship that you see between Jager (Kurt's grandfather) and Wolf (Herr Brandt). The ending was perfect. Kurt was also a sweetheart. Of course this book was written by a women so I'm still suspicious that boys like Kurt and his grandfather either are very rare or don't exsist. My brother sure as heck isn't that thoughtful. Although it starts off slow this is a satisfying read. It isn't one of those blow-out books with a flashy cover and gutsy characters. It's just good story telling.
Quick overview: Kurt Shreiber is a Canadian boy who's in Germany for an exchange student program. He shares the name of his grandfather. Peter Neumeyer (a boy bullying Kurt) gives them both another name. Feigling (coward). Kurt doesn't know why anyone would call his grandfather a coward. Seeing as his grandfather never talks about what he did during the war, Kurt starts looking for answers in the town his grandfather grew up in. And he finds them in the form of Herr Brandt, an old man he sees at the cemetery who says he was friends with his grandfather. Reluctantly at first, Herr Brandt starts to tell the story of their childhood growing up in Nazi Germany and what it was exactly that his grandfather did during the war. Through Herr Brandt's stories, Kurt starts getting answers, but then finds that they are not the answers he wanted to hear.
At the beginning I was frustrated at how little information I was getting. It felt too slow, but I think that it's meant to show you how Kurt feels. I was also frustrated at how fast Kurt was to assume that his grandfather was a monster before hearing the whole story. Although it took a while, Kurt starts to see the young man his grandfather really was. I loved the friendship that you see between Jager (Kurt's grandfather) and Wolf (Herr Brandt). The ending was perfect. Kurt was also a sweetheart. Of course this book was written by a women so I'm still suspicious that boys like Kurt and his grandfather either are very rare or don't exsist. My brother sure as heck isn't that thoughtful. Although it starts off slow this is a satisfying read. It isn't one of those blow-out books with a flashy cover and gutsy characters. It's just good story telling.
April 11, 2010
This excellent first novel is about a Canadian teen who delves into his German-born grandfather's World War II secrets.
Kurt Schreiber has quizzed his grandfather, also named Kurt Schreiber, about his Nazi past, but his questions have been met with stony silence. Kurt fears that his grandfather may have committed atrocities and this is why he refuses to speak. The teen has recurring nightmares and feels that he must get to the truth for his own peace of mind.
The teen travels to Germany as an exchange student. Kurt chooses to study in Zethen, a town just outside of Berlin, where Kurt senior was born. He is befriended by a local student named Marta and he is bullied and taunted by another named Peter. Townspeople recognize Kurt's name and many remember his grandfather. Peter's bullying includes a taunt that Kurt is a coward just like his grandfather had been.
Marta offers to help Kurt crack the mystery of his grandfather's past, and they go through old newspapers together at the library looking for clues. There is an article about an accident that provides more family names. When he visits the local cemetery in search of more clues, Kurt meets an elderly man who calls him by name. Herr Brandt was a close friend of Kurt's grandfather and the grandson bears an uncanny physical resemblance to his namesake. The teen is intrigued when he realizes that Herr Brandt and his grandfather were in the German army together and fought on the eastern front.
Kurt senior's wartime past unfolds in vivid flashbacks through Herr Brandt's voice. Seamlessly interwoven with this compelling past story is a contemporary one of Kurt's growing affection for Marta, as well as an escalation of Peter's bullying. The past and present stories culminate in a page-turning ending.
Karen Bass writes the day to day experiences of the grandfather as a youth with the kind of gripping detail that comes only from careful research. She shows the gradual progression of how a regular teen could be propagandized into Nazi ideals, first as a member of the compulsory Hitler Youth, and then later as a Wehrmacht soldier. Disillusionment comes when the friends are stationed on the eastern front and witness brutality and kindness from both sides.
The author unflinchingly reveals both Soviet and Nazi horrors. To her credit, Bass does not try to rationalize or explain away the evil that was Nazi Germany, yet she is able to provide much needed context. She shows that there is no such thing as a good person or an evil person, but that all of us are capable of both courage and cowardice within certain circumstances.
Run Like Jäger is a superb novel that will appeal to parents and grandparents as well as teens. It could be used as a launching pad for a conversation that begins with, “What did you do during the war, Grandpa?”
Kurt Schreiber has quizzed his grandfather, also named Kurt Schreiber, about his Nazi past, but his questions have been met with stony silence. Kurt fears that his grandfather may have committed atrocities and this is why he refuses to speak. The teen has recurring nightmares and feels that he must get to the truth for his own peace of mind.
The teen travels to Germany as an exchange student. Kurt chooses to study in Zethen, a town just outside of Berlin, where Kurt senior was born. He is befriended by a local student named Marta and he is bullied and taunted by another named Peter. Townspeople recognize Kurt's name and many remember his grandfather. Peter's bullying includes a taunt that Kurt is a coward just like his grandfather had been.
Marta offers to help Kurt crack the mystery of his grandfather's past, and they go through old newspapers together at the library looking for clues. There is an article about an accident that provides more family names. When he visits the local cemetery in search of more clues, Kurt meets an elderly man who calls him by name. Herr Brandt was a close friend of Kurt's grandfather and the grandson bears an uncanny physical resemblance to his namesake. The teen is intrigued when he realizes that Herr Brandt and his grandfather were in the German army together and fought on the eastern front.
Kurt senior's wartime past unfolds in vivid flashbacks through Herr Brandt's voice. Seamlessly interwoven with this compelling past story is a contemporary one of Kurt's growing affection for Marta, as well as an escalation of Peter's bullying. The past and present stories culminate in a page-turning ending.
Karen Bass writes the day to day experiences of the grandfather as a youth with the kind of gripping detail that comes only from careful research. She shows the gradual progression of how a regular teen could be propagandized into Nazi ideals, first as a member of the compulsory Hitler Youth, and then later as a Wehrmacht soldier. Disillusionment comes when the friends are stationed on the eastern front and witness brutality and kindness from both sides.
The author unflinchingly reveals both Soviet and Nazi horrors. To her credit, Bass does not try to rationalize or explain away the evil that was Nazi Germany, yet she is able to provide much needed context. She shows that there is no such thing as a good person or an evil person, but that all of us are capable of both courage and cowardice within certain circumstances.
Run Like Jäger is a superb novel that will appeal to parents and grandparents as well as teens. It could be used as a launching pad for a conversation that begins with, “What did you do during the war, Grandpa?”
January 16, 2009
It left me teary-eyed and smiling at the same time -- this is a powerful story about a teen discovering his grandfather's role in WWII.
December 6, 2009
When I first began reading this book I had no idea how well it was going to turn out. The storyline was a little slow getting started. However, after the first few chapters the book became extremely interesting. I can now say that his book is one of the best books I have ever read. The reason this book is so outstanding is becuase of the way it is written. This book is written to catch the attention of teen readers as it focuses on many aspects which teens go through. The story is about a teenage boy, Kurt Schreiber, who is living in Germany to finish school and learn about his grandfathers past. While in Germany, Kurt encounters many struggles involving a boy who consitantly bullies him (Peter N), and his best friend/girlfriend (Marta Fischer). Also, Kurt learns of some shocking details of his grandfathers past as a Nazi but soon realizes that his grandfather was not a "monster" as Kurt had imagined. "You leave many blanks should I fill them in? You want to know if your grandfather really was a Nazi. And if you have.... What? Tainted Blood?" (This scene is Kurt talking to Herr Brandt about his grandfathers past and himself). The book ends leaving Kurt satisfied with himself and his grandfather since he now knows the truth of his grandfathers past. I would recconment this book to any teen who likes a good storyline, suspence and romance.
February 18, 2014
There are many books in the YA genre that deal with World War II, but Run Like Jäger is by far one of the best. Unlike many books, it deals with WWII from a German perspective. Kurt, the protagonist, comes to Germany to learn what happened during the war that made his grandfather so reluctant to talk about it. He does eventually learn the truth and it challenges both him and readers to change their assumptions about WWII Germany.
Kurt is certainly a well-developed, sympathetic character who is spared no heartache by Karen Bass. In addition to his struggle to find out the truth, he is an outcast whose only friend is a girl named Marta, who may only be his friend because she feels sorry for him. His growing feelings for Marta are eventually reciprocated, but it is by no means an easy path for Kurt.
Filled with great plot twists, three dimensional characters and interesting historical details, Run Like Jäger is a book that everyone, young and old alike, will enjoy. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fresh perspective on WWII.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
Kurt is certainly a well-developed, sympathetic character who is spared no heartache by Karen Bass. In addition to his struggle to find out the truth, he is an outcast whose only friend is a girl named Marta, who may only be his friend because she feels sorry for him. His growing feelings for Marta are eventually reciprocated, but it is by no means an easy path for Kurt.
Filled with great plot twists, three dimensional characters and interesting historical details, Run Like Jäger is a book that everyone, young and old alike, will enjoy. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fresh perspective on WWII.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
May 1, 2011
Kurt is a exchange student, and he comes to Germany to learn the language. A boy there, peter, calls him Feigling. "Genau wie Dein Grossvater." Coward. Just like your grandfather. Instead of ignoring Peter, Kurt Schreiber tries to find out what he means, and he meets a old man, Herr Brandt, at a grave who calls him Jager.
A well written novel, with Wolfgang leading the way, we are able to see into the thoughts of a Solider. Of any loyal solider.
I like the part where Kurt tries on the uniform, and sees himself, Its a very creative scean. And how will he deal with Marta.
Wonderful war book with many flashblacks from Wolf.
A well written novel, with Wolfgang leading the way, we are able to see into the thoughts of a Solider. Of any loyal solider.
I like the part where Kurt tries on the uniform, and sees himself, Its a very creative scean. And how will he deal with Marta.
Wonderful war book with many flashblacks from Wolf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2011
Run like jager is not the best book I have ever read it is good for some people but I did not like it that much because I found that I am one of the people who like to learn a small bit about the book and then get right in to the story line but in this book I found that it took to long for me to get in to but when i got close to the end I found that it was a good story line and it got to the point when it finely got started. I liked the ending but I just wish that it had more of a story then just talking over and over about things that did not relate totaly with the book to me.
sydney petersen :))
may 18 2011
sydney petersen :))
may 18 2011
July 16, 2009
This coming-of-age novel exploring the life of an exchange student learning of his grandfather's past is very interesting. Overall, I was pleased with the book and the tale it told. It was a little slow at times, but that made it more realistic rather than Kurt finding everything out all at once. The metaphor of Kurt running got a little tired at times. The friendship between Wolf and Kurt (younger) is as interesting as much as the telling of Jager and Wolf's friendship during WW2. Very well researched.
March 25, 2011
I have read a lot of novels about WWII. It's one of my favourite subjects. What I loved about this book was that it addressed the common man in Germany. The ones who grew up in the Hitler Youth Program, who were apart of the regular army. It addresses how someone could be caught up in Hitler and then become disallusioned. It also addresses how a modern day person can learn about their heritage and how it impacts them. I absolutely loved it. I highly recommend it. And I loved being able to pick up a Canadian author in my middle school library. :)
July 28, 2008
Story concerns a Canadian boy of German background who goes on exchange to Germany, and the implications of what it means to have a family member who was a Nazi. Deals with the entire Nazi dilemma really well, not dumbing it down or painting things in shades of black and white. An extremely well-written book that deals with big issues while still being gripping and entertaining.
March 8, 2009
I was very impressed by this debut novel. Karen Bass digs deep into some heavy subject matter and takes the reader on an emotional journey back in time. Strong characters, evocative writing and detailed historical description -- all of which make this book a very worthy addition to your YA bookshelf.
April 27, 2008
Karen Bass tackles a tough subject in her YA book. Her character, Kurt, travels to Germany where he learns that his grandfather was involved in the Hitler youth and Eastern front. This is an interesting, well-researched historical story that taught me a lot about World War 2.
June 2, 2016
This is a decent teen novel offering a look at the German side of the world war. The young male protagonist has to come to terms with the knowledge that his grandfather fought for Hitler. The story is a good reminder that caring heroic soldiers didn't exist on only the allied side of the war.
July 20, 2011
Youth trying to understand WWII German grandfathers past. I was just in Germany so kind of interested. But, it felt a little predictable. More like a 2.5.
June 17, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It gave Nazis and WW2 a different spin. I found the book made me hope for a happy ending and had me rooting for the "Nazi". Great quick read.
May 17, 2016
I read this book back in junior high and I really enjoyed it. I do not know if I will still enjoy it now as it has been some years since I read it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews