Boy from Berlin

Boy from Berlin #1

by Nancy McDonald

Berlin, April 1938. One night, eight-year-old Käfer Avigdor uses his specialty toilet-paper roll binoculars to spy on his Mama and Aunt Charlotte. The whispered conversation he overhears alerts him to a danger he didn't know existed and starts him rethinking who he really is and where he belongs. Within hours, Käfer and his family flee their comfortable life. In a desperate race to stay one step ahead of the Nazis, Käfer is called on to be braver and more resourceful than he ever imagined possible. But will it be enough? Boy from Berlin is based on real people and actual events.

142 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2018

About the author

Nancy McDonald began her career as a journalist working on television programmes, which include W5, Canada AM, and Marketplace before going on to become a sought-after freelance writer, penning everything from documentaries to live-action scripts to comic books.

Nancy lives in Stratford, Ontario. When she isn't busy writing novels for middle-grade readers, she revels in Shakespeare, treads the boards with the Perth County Players and works works part time at Fanfare Books, Stratford’s only independent bookseller.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy From Berlin is a well-written story of a family. It tells the story of a boy and his family journey from Nazi Germany. What a compelling tale. It is great for children to learn about Berlin and what happens to Jews during Hitler's time.

The way this takes us on Kafer's journey from Berlin to England. Young readers will enjoy the adventure. They will also learn about what it was like to be Jew or some escaped from Hitler. You are pulled along with Kafer and his family. I was having a hard time turning the pages. There are surprises and twists throughout the book.

This was historical fiction read but it great for any historical fan. It one that I would recommend to pick up for middle-grade children and readers. Great for young readers as well. If you are into spies and World War 2 then this is a good book to pick and read. It is based on the true story of Kafer and his family. Though there is some fiction to it.

[Linda Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading about the harrowing escape so many made from Nazi Germany, through the eyes of a young boy. It personalized the story, and although there was plenty of danger and fear, McDonald balanced it with an endearing and at times entertaining portrait of Kafer Avigdor and his family. I would recommend this for both older children, and adults.

[Jessica Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book! Great for adults and children with a great story line that is easy to follow yet very captivating. I could not put it down until I finished it! Amazing work Nancy!

[Morena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Nancy for giving this book to my parents for me to read I really enjoyed it and could not put it down! I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I definitely recommend this book and have been telling everyone I know about it. Thank you for the message you wrote inside for me, these books have inspired me to write my own book someday.

Alondra

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy from Berlin is the story of one family escaping the horrors of World War II as seen through the eyes of a young child.

This time period is fascinating and so important for young adults and adults to read about and then read about again. We need to learn about the people that lived in this time, what they faced and why they faced it, so that this never happens again. This tale is told from the point of view of an eight year old boy, who sees and hears all that is going on around him but is not quite sure what it all means. Why are people disappearing? Why do they have to leave their home and everything they love? Who can they trust? All questions and scenarios that so many young children likely faced during this time period.

Käfer is an incredibly bright, curious young boy. I loved his character and spunk – he would do anything for his family, which sometimes lands him in trouble. His clever thinking on his feet saves his family several times throughout the story, and I loved that this role fell on his shoulders. Children are so resourceful and bright, something that we sometimes forget. The story he tells is full of danger but also hope and mystery. Hope that they will finally find a sliver of peace as they escape the Nazis. I loved the added mystery of why they were actually escaping – were his parents holding something back from them about their ancestry?

This is an excellent novel for both young adults and adults. It is well written, excellent plot and characters. A definite must read!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK In Nancy McDonald’s Boy from Berlin, the Avigdor family meet their very difficult struggles as they are forced to leave their home and most of their possessions as the flee Germany. And though this story is fiction, it is based on the lives of real people, and real life historical events. Which was very intriguing for me, to know these things really happened, and what it could have been like for young Kafer and his family. Ms. McDonald does a great job of researching the historical events to write this compelling story. I grew attached to the Avigdor family as I read their story and at times was on the edge of my seat as they had to flee their home. This had to be difficult for the entire family, especially the young children. My heart went out to the children, and also I couldn’t help but think about the back in their day and what the real life people had to deal with. Another thing I found intriguing is that this story is told through the eyes of the young Kafer Avigdor. I though it very nice getting to know the story we have read so much about through the eyes of someone with an Altogether different view. If you love those WWII stories, this is one to add to your stash! And check back for the review of Book two, One Boy’s War, coming to this blog Sept. 18th! A special thanks to the author/publisher and iRead Book tours for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy from Berlin begins Nancy McDonald’s exciting new series, also, titled Boy from Berlin. I loved being introduced to eight year old Käfer Avigdor. It was great getting to know him. I though he was such a brave little boy. He is living in 1938 Berlin, Germany at the start of the World War II. It was exciting to get caught up in the adventure and action. There was some danger that would keep me on the edge of my seat. Käfer was so very courageous throughout the book. I loved the historical details that made me and my children feel as though we were living in that moment in time. It was interesting to learn more about that era. My son wanted to know more about and we spent time on the computer looking up more information for him.

Boy from Berlin is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I can not wait to read the next installment from the series, One Boy’s War. I look forward to catching up with Käfer Avigdor and see where his story leads his readers to next. I recommend this one for readers who are in the second to sixth grade levels. My two children enjoyed it and I believe other children will too, especially those who love historical fiction or love to learn about different historical events around the world.

I received Boy from Berlin from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9 year old son and I read this book together. We really enjoyed it. It sparked a lot of good conversation and a lot of questions to the Holocaust. This book is a book through the eyes of an 8 year old, Kafer. Kafer overhears his mother talking to his aunt Charlotte about leaving in the middle of the night. Kafer tells his siblings and they do not believe him, until after dinner the news is broken to them that they are leaving. Kafer at first does not understand why they have to leave their comfortable home, but he starts to understand. He then realizes that his family is Jewish, and they need to leave the area.
This book follows the journey of Kafer's family as they leave Berlin and head to England. They encounter some roadblocks along the way. (When they stop for breakfast and the SS soldier grills young Kafer, your heart will be pounding) Follow the journey.
This book is well researched, well written and is geared toward middle grades. My son is in 4th grade and we took turns reading the book outloud. There were some words he struggled with. His 7 year old brother listed for part of it.
I look forward to reviewing the sequel of this book (One Boy's War). Please come back for my review for this.

I received a copy of this book through the IreadTours blogging program. All thoughts are my own.

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy from Berlin takes readers through a tense journey as Europe readies for war. From their comfortable life in Berlin to the promise of a new life in Canada, Käfer and his family fight their way to the safety of the shores of England from where they intend to immigrate to Toronto. Through evocative descriptions of current fashions, mouth-watering meals and dense, smoky skies, readers get a clear sense of life in 1938.

Käfer is a charming, clever child who strives to outdo his older brother to win his father’s favor. As he navigates new friends, new schools and dangers he’s never imagined, Käfer pieces together the horrors of WWII. Gently viewed from a child’s perspective — Käfer collects information and finds clues about the Nazis and their plans. His determination to help his family escape and make his parents proud of him are endearing throughout the story.

Underlying this fictional story are so many historical and geographical details from actual events from the author’s family history that it is sometimes hard to believe the story is fiction. The text, written for 8-12 year olds, expertly portrays the tension and dangers of WWII in a child-appropriate way. Boy from Berlin reads like a classic, middle grade adventure story with a quick pace that never bores.

[Antonia Banyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids will enjoy this book for the adventure, as a tale of derring-do, for the very real children characters with their very real problems. Even though the story is set 80 years ago, contemporary readers will be able to relate to young Käfer's rivalry with his brother, his struggle to connect with and impress his father, and his yearning for home and security.

Adults will enjoy this book for the backstory about searching for one's identity, for bringing to life the story of a war-time refugee, and for the fine portrayal of a family struggling to survive and stay together in extraordinary times.

This historical novel offers glimpses of the grand stage of history but its strength is that it captures history as it's lived on the personal level to ordinary people.

Disclaimer: I read an early draft of this book.

[Bern Gorecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy from Berlin”, skillfully interweaves the innocence and playfulness of youth with the horrors and atrocities of the Second World War. Nancy McDonald’s vivid literary palette captivates the hearts and minds of the reader by entwining personally informed historic fact found in the archives of her late husband, the protagonist in her book, with engaging fiction. The book masterfully recalled reminiscence of stories my parents who were stranded in Germany during this monstrous period told me along with vicarious familiarities garnered from reading books and seeing films. The book is a much needed addition to the subject matter. It is timely and timeless. It is a must for readers of all ages.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true-to-life adventure both entertaining and inspirational

Highly recommended! A feel-good adventure that will thrill any young reader’s heart, BOY FROM BERLIN also contains hints of darkness and real-life complexity reminiscent of hit movies from Pixar and Disney. Young Kafer and his family flee Germany one step ahead of the Nazi war machine in this story based on historical facts. The tale is set some 80 years ago, but it resonates with today’s headlines of refugees from Syria, genocide in Iraq and the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya in Myanmar. BOY FROM BERLIN -- a memorable story that is both inspirational and hugely entertaining.

[Frances Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting and moving account, based on actual events, of one family's narrow escape from Nazi Germany in 1938. Told through the eyes of a child, the story continues as the family struggles to find a safe haven in war torn Holland and England. The book will appeal to children between the ages of 8-12, as a very readable and engrossing story, while educating them on a dangerous and pivotal episode in recent history. Written in the first person, the story chronicles well the small, personal aspects of family life, within the much larger context of war. Highly recommended.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book geared to 8-12 year olds was written after the author's husband died and basically tells the story of his family who lived in Berlin before the war began and escaped to the Hague and then to England. Told from the perspective of 8 year old Heinz (known as Kafer) the reader is able to understand just how confusing it all was for those who came from away.

I really enjoyed reading this and have ordered copy of the sequel.

[Cheryl Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book ! Brings to life in a very real way for the young readers of today the effect of the rise of Hitler and its terrifying effects on ordinary citizens who are suddenly "targeted". An easy and enjoyable read for adults as well.

[Aiden Illsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book Boy From Berlin, it was amazing. I liked the amount of detail in the book and I could imagine what everything looked like. Great job!

[Gary Horst · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging book for older children that serves to educate as well!

[Adrienne Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! I couldn’t put it down at all. I love the journey little Kafer went on and the descriptions. Loved how his inquisitive mind worked and the descriptions used to figure things out. A great read for any age!