What do you think?
Rate this book
Under the Iron Bridge
It's 1938 in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Paul is feeling pressured to join the Hitler Youth. The last thing he wants to do is march around with a bunch of bullies, supporting the Gestapo and abusing the city's Jews, but even Paul's parents think he should go along with his classmates in order to keep himself safe.
Just when he's starting to despair, Paul meets the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of teenage boys and girls who are working to undermine the growing power of the Nazis. When he joins the rebel organization, he finds out just how hair-raising and dangerous it is to sabotage the Third Reich and rescue Jews wherever they can. But choices have consequences, and during the terrifying violence of Kristallnacht, Paul must step out of the shadows and make a life-changing decision.
Inspired by the true story of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group that declared "Eternal War on the Hitler Youth," Under the Iron Bridge is a tale of courage in the face of cruelty.
Just when he's starting to despair, Paul meets the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of teenage boys and girls who are working to undermine the growing power of the Nazis. When he joins the rebel organization, he finds out just how hair-raising and dangerous it is to sabotage the Third Reich and rescue Jews wherever they can. But choices have consequences, and during the terrifying violence of Kristallnacht, Paul must step out of the shadows and make a life-changing decision.
Inspired by the true story of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group that declared "Eternal War on the Hitler Youth," Under the Iron Bridge is a tale of courage in the face of cruelty.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
12 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Kacer
50 books55 followersKathy Kacer was born in Toronto and has lived there all her life (with the exception of three years in New Brunswick). She has a Master’s degree in Psychology and worked for many years with troubled teens and their families. She stopped working full time in 1995 to pursue her dream of becoming a children’s author. That dream came true with the publication of her first book, The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser, in 1999. She has been writing ever since.
Her parents were both survivors of the Holocaust. Her mother survived the war in hiding; her father was a survivor of the concentration camps. Their stories of survival were an inspiration to Kathy as she was growing up. As an adult, she was determined to write their stories and pass them on to young readers. She went on to write more than twenty books, all focused on the Holocaust. These books include The Night Spies, The Diary of Laura’s Twin, To Hope and Back, Hiding Edith, the Whispers series, and The Magician of Auschwitz. Many of her books have won awards in Canada, the United States, and Israel. Her books have been sold in over twenty countries around the world.
In addition to writing, Kathy teaches at the University of Toronto (Continuing Studies). She also speaks to children in schools and libraries around the world about the importance of understanding the Holocaust and keeping its memory alive. In addition, she lectures in universities and colleges on the topic of teaching sensitive material to young children.
She is married and has two children, Gabi and Jake. Both children share her family’s love of stories.
Her parents were both survivors of the Holocaust. Her mother survived the war in hiding; her father was a survivor of the concentration camps. Their stories of survival were an inspiration to Kathy as she was growing up. As an adult, she was determined to write their stories and pass them on to young readers. She went on to write more than twenty books, all focused on the Holocaust. These books include The Night Spies, The Diary of Laura’s Twin, To Hope and Back, Hiding Edith, the Whispers series, and The Magician of Auschwitz. Many of her books have won awards in Canada, the United States, and Israel. Her books have been sold in over twenty countries around the world.
In addition to writing, Kathy teaches at the University of Toronto (Continuing Studies). She also speaks to children in schools and libraries around the world about the importance of understanding the Holocaust and keeping its memory alive. In addition, she lectures in universities and colleges on the topic of teaching sensitive material to young children.
She is married and has two children, Gabi and Jake. Both children share her family’s love of stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 3, 2022
A great middle grade WWII historical fiction book about a group of German teens who resist joining the Hitler youth and actively work to sabotage the Nazis. Based on real events this is perfect for fans of books like Number the stars and great on audio.
April 18, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Under the Iron Bridge in exchange for an honest review.
I think this is definitely more of a middle grade story than a YA one and while I'm normally fine with middle grade, there obviously has to be a huge divide between the narration and information presented in YA and MG stories centered around the holocaust and the simple language, logic, and stock characters here never won my attention. I think this could work well as a teaching tool, but there are so many other wonderful books out there telling similar stories and this one really didn't stand out.
I also with Analia (this book's biggest Jewish character) had either more of a personality or more plot agency. As is she didn't really fill a role beyond being a motivator for and later a reward for Paul and while I understand why not all holocaust books need to be from the perspective of Jewish leads, it felt weird that a book that opens with highlighting how Jewish people were systematically dehumanized forgot to make its biggest Jewish character feel human.
I think this is definitely more of a middle grade story than a YA one and while I'm normally fine with middle grade, there obviously has to be a huge divide between the narration and information presented in YA and MG stories centered around the holocaust and the simple language, logic, and stock characters here never won my attention. I think this could work well as a teaching tool, but there are so many other wonderful books out there telling similar stories and this one really didn't stand out.
I also with Analia (this book's biggest Jewish character) had either more of a personality or more plot agency. As is she didn't really fill a role beyond being a motivator for and later a reward for Paul and while I understand why not all holocaust books need to be from the perspective of Jewish leads, it felt weird that a book that opens with highlighting how Jewish people were systematically dehumanized forgot to make its biggest Jewish character feel human.
November 22, 2022
I learned of something new in this novel. The Edelweiss Pirates were a group of young Germans that fought back against the Nazis in their own way. This is one of those books that I felt anxious reading. The helplessness felt by Paul when he was forced to join the Hitler youth, and the satisfaction he felt when he the Pirates completed a mission...these were all shared by me as I read. It is heartening to read of people who fought back against a regime in whom they did not believe, and fought for human rights for all, even in the face of great danger to themselves.
June 12, 2023
UNDER THE IRON BRIDGE was an understandably difficult read, especially since it explores one of the worst crimes against humanities in living history.
I can't even imagine what it would have been like to live in a society where people were clearly being indoctrinated and brainwashed and feeling powerless to not become a part of that problem. The way the MC's classmates talked about their "leader" and how the lessons in their "youth program" were so inspiring and eye opening was so deeply disturbing. This book isn't for the faint of heart, especially because even though the MC is incredibly against the regime and is actively trying to escape it, the dialogue and indoctrination that he witnesses is sickening.
This is a very important read, I believe. The discomfort I felt while reading this is a good reason enough (for me) to recommend it because history can be uncomfortable and sometimes that's the best way to avoid repeating it.
Happy reading!
I can't even imagine what it would have been like to live in a society where people were clearly being indoctrinated and brainwashed and feeling powerless to not become a part of that problem. The way the MC's classmates talked about their "leader" and how the lessons in their "youth program" were so inspiring and eye opening was so deeply disturbing. This book isn't for the faint of heart, especially because even though the MC is incredibly against the regime and is actively trying to escape it, the dialogue and indoctrination that he witnesses is sickening.
This is a very important read, I believe. The discomfort I felt while reading this is a good reason enough (for me) to recommend it because history can be uncomfortable and sometimes that's the best way to avoid repeating it.
Happy reading!
January 17, 2023
I would say this book was very interesting in its own rights. This book had many dynamic characters who change throughout the story. When I first started the book I felt how the protagonist (Paul) started feeling having to join the Hitler Youth group to not be suspected to be a Jew.
Throughout the book Paul had to go through many emotions from seeing one of his friends (Analia) clean the streets while Paul could only stand there and watch. He also had go through emotions when Paul joined “The Edelweiss Pirates” and defying the laws that were placed when Hitler took control of Germany. Paul had to paint hateful comments that could lead him to be locked up in prison and maybe even executed.
Paul must have felt a little better when he was able to help Analia escape the synagogue burning down. In the story Paul says “That was the day every thing changed”. That helped Paul grow as a person. That's why I love this book
Throughout the book Paul had to go through many emotions from seeing one of his friends (Analia) clean the streets while Paul could only stand there and watch. He also had go through emotions when Paul joined “The Edelweiss Pirates” and defying the laws that were placed when Hitler took control of Germany. Paul had to paint hateful comments that could lead him to be locked up in prison and maybe even executed.
Paul must have felt a little better when he was able to help Analia escape the synagogue burning down. In the story Paul says “That was the day every thing changed”. That helped Paul grow as a person. That's why I love this book
December 7, 2022
4.5 This is a great book for introducing children to the Holocaust.
October 28, 2021
In Dusseldorf, Germany, young Paul Ritter has an important decision to make. His best friend, his teachers, and the neighbor boy all want him to join the city’s Hitler Youth group. Paul doesn’t want to. It’s 1938, and for the past few years, fifteen-year-old Paul and his parents have felt unsettled about Hitler and his political party.
Paul doesn’t want any part in a world where neighbors inform on neighbors, and teachers encourage children to inform on their parents. But he can’t avoid deciding much longer. He struggles to understand how Hitler can call the Jews less than human. After all, his family has had Jewish friends his entire life.
After Paul’s parents counsel him to join the Hitler Youth, but not pay any attention to the hate speeches, Paul reluctantly joins. His first outing involves supervising Jews—including his friend Analia—as they scrub the streets of Dusseldorf with small brushes. Paul immediately regrets his decision to join up—but he sees no way to quitting.
When he discovers a small band of resistance fighters, Paul wholeheartedly joins the Edelweiss Pirates and starts his double life as an obedient member of the Hitler Youth by day, and a defiant Edelweiss Pirate by night.
Will Paul survive the dangers he encounters, and does he have the courage to stand up for what he knows is right in a world gone mad?
What I Loved About This Book
Although the protagonist is 15, I would share this book with my younger students. The author hints at the violence against Jews and non-compliant Germans rather than describing it in detail. I love reading books that bring out facets of history I never knew about, and this book does just that. The history of WWII often leaves us wondering why no one stood up to Hitler—Under the Iron Bridge answers the question. People did stand up, although it was often too little, too late. Another cautionary tale from Second Story Press on political bullies and what happens when no one calls them out.
Paul doesn’t want any part in a world where neighbors inform on neighbors, and teachers encourage children to inform on their parents. But he can’t avoid deciding much longer. He struggles to understand how Hitler can call the Jews less than human. After all, his family has had Jewish friends his entire life.
After Paul’s parents counsel him to join the Hitler Youth, but not pay any attention to the hate speeches, Paul reluctantly joins. His first outing involves supervising Jews—including his friend Analia—as they scrub the streets of Dusseldorf with small brushes. Paul immediately regrets his decision to join up—but he sees no way to quitting.
When he discovers a small band of resistance fighters, Paul wholeheartedly joins the Edelweiss Pirates and starts his double life as an obedient member of the Hitler Youth by day, and a defiant Edelweiss Pirate by night.
Will Paul survive the dangers he encounters, and does he have the courage to stand up for what he knows is right in a world gone mad?
What I Loved About This Book
Although the protagonist is 15, I would share this book with my younger students. The author hints at the violence against Jews and non-compliant Germans rather than describing it in detail. I love reading books that bring out facets of history I never knew about, and this book does just that. The history of WWII often leaves us wondering why no one stood up to Hitler—Under the Iron Bridge answers the question. People did stand up, although it was often too little, too late. Another cautionary tale from Second Story Press on political bullies and what happens when no one calls them out.
February 21, 2023
This book was absolutely amazing. Under the Iron Bridge is a war story that follows one of the Edelweiss pirates named Paul who joins the Hitler youth and try's to blend in so that no one suspects him to be behind the attacks against the Nazi party. This book was amazing in every way on how the perspective was brought in and the actual horror of what that country faced. It was an emotional roller coaster and it shows what happened to the Jewish people of Germany and how Paul's life was flipped upside down in just one year after the Nazi party took control. The book also takes you on a love story that was broken because one of them was Jewish and then later they reunite after one of them saves the other. the only tiny thing I didn't like about the novel was that my favorite character, Harold, didn't have too much to do with the pirates and I just wish that he could have had more to do with the rebellious acts. Over all this is one of the best books I have read in a while and I recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction and a book packed with action and adventure and I say have fun reading it because it's not the same the second time through.
October 1, 2021
I think it is so important to teach our children that during WWII there were a lot of people who resisted, who fought back, who saw what was happening and chose to risk their lives to try to stop it. This book is a great look at an average German boy who knew what was happening was wrong and took the opportunity to do something about it. This story was a great introduction to the Edelweiss Pirates - an alternate youth group that resisted the Nazi regime.
Paul Ritter doesn't want to join the Hitler Youth, but feels it is safer for himself and his family if he plays along. But it doesn't sit right. A chance encounter at the local beach introduces him to the Edelweiss Pirates. Now he must make a choice - do something about the terrible things he sees happening around him or try to blend in and stay safe.
This book is perfect for a child who is interested in learning about WWII and the Holocaust, but isn't quite ready for more graphic information.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free e-arc in exchange for a review!
Paul Ritter doesn't want to join the Hitler Youth, but feels it is safer for himself and his family if he plays along. But it doesn't sit right. A chance encounter at the local beach introduces him to the Edelweiss Pirates. Now he must make a choice - do something about the terrible things he sees happening around him or try to blend in and stay safe.
This book is perfect for a child who is interested in learning about WWII and the Holocaust, but isn't quite ready for more graphic information.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free e-arc in exchange for a review!
September 16, 2021
I found this book an excellent resource for young readers learning of the Holocaust. The usual perspective we read from is that of the allies, the jewish people themselves, or the resistance fighters, seldom do we come across a book from the German perspective. A German trying to be a good German, but not believing in the things that are occuring around him, how does Paul remain safe, keep his family safe and still hold onto his values, morals and sense of right and wrong?
This book introduces a resistance group I had never heard of The Edelweiss Pirates, which I found interesting,. German youth who did not want to follow Hitler but rebelled against him. I had no idea they existed so was a very interesting history lesson for me.
I found this book well researched and easy to read. Clear, concise wording, characters that stand for themselves, just an all around good story.
Thank you to Second Story Press and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
This book introduces a resistance group I had never heard of The Edelweiss Pirates, which I found interesting,. German youth who did not want to follow Hitler but rebelled against him. I had no idea they existed so was a very interesting history lesson for me.
I found this book well researched and easy to read. Clear, concise wording, characters that stand for themselves, just an all around good story.
Thank you to Second Story Press and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
August 10, 2021
A lovely story about resistance, rebellion, and doing the right thing in the face of intolerable evil. This book for middle schoolers introduces the Holocaust, particularly Kristalnacht, the Hitler Youth, and the badass Edelweiss Pirates in a very approachable and age-appropriate way. While violence is present in the story, it's not very detailed and it shies away from the more graphic moments. I feel like teaching the Holocaust should be done in steps. If you info dump too young, you end up scaring kids so they aren't willing to learn more. This book series is a great solution for that. I also feel like kids will be inspired to make a difference like Paul.
November 21, 2021
An excellent historical fiction YA that seamlessly weaves real history and frank talk about antisemitism and hate in a story that is accessible and very readable. I'd never heard of the Edelweiss Pirates before but enjoyed this fictionalized account of one teenaged boy who sees the injustice erupting around him and takes action. I think this book will make for excellent classroom reading that inspires conversations around hate, injustice, how people get caught up in propaganda and belonging to groups (like the Hitler Youth), and the different forms of resistance. This book, while exploring important and tough topics, is not overly graphic or heavy-handed. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2023
This book wasn't for me in the slightest. This made my children implode. Never in my 80 years of living have I ever read something this bad. I tried to give this book to my 9th grade class to read rand they said it was ass.
March 10, 2023
The real rating is 3.5 stars!
I loved all the actions that the Edelweiss Pirates did to sabotage the Nazis! It's a really great book about being your true self while being surrounded by different decisions.
I loved all the actions that the Edelweiss Pirates did to sabotage the Nazis! It's a really great book about being your true self while being surrounded by different decisions.
March 31, 2023
It was a good idea, but the character development wasn't good. I felt like I didn't know the characters too well. But the story of the Edelweiss Pirates was interesting (for some reason it reminded me of The Sound of Music)
December 2, 2023
The story of the Edelweiss Pirates was fascinating, but character development was lacking. I listened to the audio version, and it was like nails on a chalkboard. This book desperately needed a male narrator.
August 3, 2024
I listened to this book on CD in my car and thoroughly enjoyed the story and hearing more information about the Edelweiss Pirates that declared “Eternal War on the Hitler Youth.” I’m really glad I have discovered Kathy Kacer. She is an excellent storyteller.
September 16, 2022
Read in one sitting!
October 30, 2022
Audiobook
A good middle grades Holocaust story. Fiction about the Eidelviise(?) Pirates—a group of young people who tried to undermine the Hitler Youth—Righteous Gentiles
A good middle grades Holocaust story. Fiction about the Eidelviise(?) Pirates—a group of young people who tried to undermine the Hitler Youth—Righteous Gentiles
November 11, 2022
Loved this perspective
March 11, 2023
This book was great. The historical fiction is so good.
June 23, 2023
Interesting and educational take on life as a teen under Hitler. The story could have used a few layers and depth but it was a good quick read.
March 4, 2024
Great YA novel. Educational with a good lesson.
June 7, 2024
Good book for teens to read.
March 24, 2023
This book was awesome to read! Under the Iron Bridge is a war story that follows Paul, the main character, who is a Jewish boy living in Germany at the time when Hitler became the ruler. Paul is Part of the Edelweiss pirates and also the Hitler youth club. The Edelweiss Pirates are a rebel group of people, primarily Jews, that disagree with Hitler's beliefs and protest against the actions taken by Hitler and the Nazis. The Hitler Youth club is a group that supports and praises Hitler and is training young children to be Nazis and fight for Hitler. Paul joined the Hitler Youth Club to blend in and protect his family. He fears he and his family will be captured and taken to a concentration camp because they are Jewish. This book brings in the perspective of the Jews that lived in Germany in the time leading up to World War 2 and the horror that they had to face. This book also shows you the importance of friendship as it follows the developing relationship between Paul and Analia, two Jewish youth struggling to find food and stay safe. They learn to trust, help and protect each other during these difficult and frightening times. Overall, I think this book was great, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction and reading about the past.
September 14, 2023
I loved Kathy Kacer books growing up. This was a battle book so thought I’d try. Not my fav. Very fast ending.
March 12, 2023
Excellent book for young adults, but not written in that stilted manner of many others.
So important to understand the kind of propaganda that created mass fomation, to do the wrong thing, and that there were those who retained their moral quality.
So important to understand the kind of propaganda that created mass fomation, to do the wrong thing, and that there were those who retained their moral quality.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews