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Enemies in the Orchard: A World War 2 Novel in Verse
Set against the backdrop of WWII, this achingly beautiful middle grade novel in verse based on American history presents the dual perspectives of Claire, a Midwestern girl who longs to enter high school and become a nurse even as she worries for her soldier brother, and Karl, a German POW who’s processing the war as he works on Claire’s family farm. This poignant and moving story of an unlikely connection will stay with readers long after the final page. It’s October 1944, and while Claire’s older brother, Danny, is off fighting in World War II, her dad hires a group of German POWs to help with the apple harvest on their farm. Claire wants nothing to do with the enemies in the orchard, until she meets soft-spoken, hardworking Karl. Could she possibly have something in common with a German soldier? Karl, meanwhile, grapples with his role in the war as he realizes how many lies Hitler’s regime has spread—and his complacency in not standing up against them. But his encounters with Claire give him hope that he can change and become the person he wants to be. Inspired by the little-known history of POW labor camps in the United States, this lyrical verse novel is told in alternating first-person poems by two young people on opposite sides of the war. Against a vivid backdrop of home front tensions and daily life, intimate entries reveal Claire’s and Karl's hopes and struggles, and their growing friendship even as the war rages on. What are their chances of connection, of redemption, of peace?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
April 26, 2024
*libby app, Overdrive was better *
January 11, 2024
Adding this one immediately to the school library. A middle grade historical fiction novel in verse which is moving, lyrical and profound. The author helps the reader navigate the tension of two opposing characters, a mid-western farm girl and a teenage Nazi POW soldier who is brought to work at her father’s farm. The ensuing story explores forgiveness, kindness and courage while also giving a framework for the toll of war and the dangers of extreme nationalism. I felt proud of this part of American history, that I didn’t know anything about, and how dignity was extended to men caught up in the throes of blind allegiance and war.
April 13, 2024
Thank you Zonderkidz for allowing me to audibly read and review Enemies in the Orchard: A World War 2 Novel in Verse on NetGalley.
Published: 09/12/23
Narrators: Andy Ingalls, Elizabeth Klett, Rachel Leblang
Stars: 3
At some point in my life I had to be told that POWs from World War II were brought into the United States, imprisoned, and worked on American farms. While reading this middle grade historical fiction story I was taken aback. I seriously don't remember that part of American history. It happened.
Enemies in the Orchard centers around a group of German and Italian prisoners of war that work on an American apple farm. The family needs help, the apples will not hold. Their own son and farm workers are fighting overseas, the Germans.
I have a few issues with the story. First: The family has a 13-year-old daughter who is around the prisoners -- alone. I'm flabbergasted. Real life is hard enough, and if historical fiction is the base the choices made need to make sense. Additionally, the author embarks on a love story. She is 13, the German POW is minimum 18 (if his age was given, I missed it. I was listening for it.). There are so many ways the story could have gone.
There is an Author's Note. VanderLugt had a lot of plans and wanted to pack the story with complex emotions. Upon listening I was further frustrated.
There was a lot of potential and missed opportunities.
I would recommend reading ahead of a child and be ready with facts both historically and morally. Historical fiction is a beautiful genre (my favorite) however writers are held to a higher standard.
Children have no business in this situation in an apple farm with German POWs or American prisoners.
Published: 09/12/23
Narrators: Andy Ingalls, Elizabeth Klett, Rachel Leblang
Stars: 3
At some point in my life I had to be told that POWs from World War II were brought into the United States, imprisoned, and worked on American farms. While reading this middle grade historical fiction story I was taken aback. I seriously don't remember that part of American history. It happened.
Enemies in the Orchard centers around a group of German and Italian prisoners of war that work on an American apple farm. The family needs help, the apples will not hold. Their own son and farm workers are fighting overseas, the Germans.
I have a few issues with the story. First: The family has a 13-year-old daughter who is around the prisoners -- alone. I'm flabbergasted. Real life is hard enough, and if historical fiction is the base the choices made need to make sense. Additionally, the author embarks on a love story. She is 13, the German POW is minimum 18 (if his age was given, I missed it. I was listening for it.). There are so many ways the story could have gone.
There is an Author's Note. VanderLugt had a lot of plans and wanted to pack the story with complex emotions. Upon listening I was further frustrated.
There was a lot of potential and missed opportunities.
I would recommend reading ahead of a child and be ready with facts both historically and morally. Historical fiction is a beautiful genre (my favorite) however writers are held to a higher standard.
Children have no business in this situation in an apple farm with German POWs or American prisoners.
April 17, 2024
Tears. I’m a sucker for a WWII novel, and this one drew me in from the first page. Written in verse, it communicates with beautiful simplicity the raw and deep emotions of a terrible war, of people caught on either side. My eldest read this first and begged me to read it. Always so glad that my kids can read about history in a way that opens their eyes to realness, to the people who can be faceless and voiceless pieces of history unless someone shares their story. Based on a true story and including historical news clippings, set in an apple orchard in Michigan where I recognized some places and names, compellingly written…highly recommend.
December 20, 2022
I appreciate YA novels so much more since completing an MFA. This may be "middle grade" but it's artistry and fabulous poetry, and the historical truths fascinate.
December 9, 2024
It was a strange feeling to read this story about German POWs in lower Michigan during WWII. I never knew POW camps existed in Michigan until I was an adult, and to discover this story has a connection to the teeny (teeny) tiny town I spent my early childhood in (we used to drive through Fort Custer National Cemetery to get to our favorite swimming spot in the summers) was just bizarre. I enjoyed the verse and the POVs of these two characters. I did not enjoy the very abrupt ending, though it's certainly fitting in any book on WWII.
Thank you to Zonderkidz and Libro.fm's ALC program for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Zonderkidz and Libro.fm's ALC program for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2023
The attention to historical facts and details makes this book a believable, can't put it down, read! Just when you think you have the events and characters figured out, there is a creative turn of events. I would recommend this book to any friend who loves historical fiction! Hoping Dana will not stop with one novel. Absolutely loved this one!
August 14, 2024
Beautiful, poignant, warm, tragic, hopeful. I loved every word.
September 30, 2023
I read it in one day! I loved the characters and found myself rooting for them. Although it is intended for middle readers, there are a lot of takeaways for audiences of all ages— the potential consequences of loyalty, the desire for justice in an unjust world, and the misunderstanding that comes from premature judgment. I loved it!
September 29, 2023
I am blown away by this debut novel by @danavanderlugt and the profound impact it had on me as an adult reader. I am so excited to see this young adult historical fiction novel make it into the hands of my middle school students and see the ways it opens their minds and hearts. I cannot wait to see their reactions to the setting, our very own West Michigan. When a story can bring you to tears and the author's note and acknowledgments have the same effect on you, you know that you have found a masterful author.
This WWII novel in verse brings to life Claire and Karl. Claire is a thirteen year old forced into adulthood as her family is torn apart by war and she must take on working on her family's orchard. Her world is turned upside down when German POWs are trucked onto her family's land to help work the land while Americans are overseas fighting. What does it mean to find friendship and connection with Karl, a young soldier who was raised in the ranks of Hitler's Youth, and whose purpose in the conflict was against her own brother?
Karl provides a window into life under Hitler's regime and the rollercoaster of emotions that the indoctrination, manipulation, and corruption of German youth. He represents those that were left unmoored, lost, and so utterly deceived. Karl comes alive in these pages and my heart ached for him.
Vanderlugt states that “...what [she] hope[s] to accomplish with these pages: to “look after” these characters who represent the real humans ravaged by war -- the victims and the accomplices, the allies and the enemies, the vulnerable and the misled” (p. 275). She certainly achieved her goal.
This WWII novel in verse brings to life Claire and Karl. Claire is a thirteen year old forced into adulthood as her family is torn apart by war and she must take on working on her family's orchard. Her world is turned upside down when German POWs are trucked onto her family's land to help work the land while Americans are overseas fighting. What does it mean to find friendship and connection with Karl, a young soldier who was raised in the ranks of Hitler's Youth, and whose purpose in the conflict was against her own brother?
Karl provides a window into life under Hitler's regime and the rollercoaster of emotions that the indoctrination, manipulation, and corruption of German youth. He represents those that were left unmoored, lost, and so utterly deceived. Karl comes alive in these pages and my heart ached for him.
Vanderlugt states that “...what [she] hope[s] to accomplish with these pages: to “look after” these characters who represent the real humans ravaged by war -- the victims and the accomplices, the allies and the enemies, the vulnerable and the misled” (p. 275). She certainly achieved her goal.
July 20, 2024
A beautiful, creative, poignant narrative in verse about the WWII home front in Michigan, juxtaposed with a young man’s memories of growing up in Germany. Somehow, Dana intertwines the grief of war with the common of everyday living, and the way the poems are laid out gives such humanity to all the different perspectives and experiences of war.
January 21, 2024
Format: Audiobook
Performance: I absolutely adored the German accent that the male voice actor had
Review:
I’m really falling hard for historical fiction (specifically WWII) again. It is one of the scariest and most intriguing parts of history. What better way to teach about such topics than to write what if? In this story, I learned about a German prisoner of war on US soil. Here to work, while our young men were an ocean away in enemy territory. This book was short and heartbreaking and one with an ending. I never saw coming.
Performance: I absolutely adored the German accent that the male voice actor had
Review:
I’m really falling hard for historical fiction (specifically WWII) again. It is one of the scariest and most intriguing parts of history. What better way to teach about such topics than to write what if? In this story, I learned about a German prisoner of war on US soil. Here to work, while our young men were an ocean away in enemy territory. This book was short and heartbreaking and one with an ending. I never saw coming.
September 28, 2023
This was such a beautiful story! The author did such an amazing job bringing the story to life. I laughed, I cried. I highly recommend reading this book!
October 24, 2023
The best historical fiction books are ones that teach me something new from history and keep me captivated throughout. This book hit both those marks for me! Now that I’ve read it, I’m excited to read it again with my tween daughter, I think she will enjoy it just as much as I did!
August 24, 2023
This carefully crafted and thoughtful Middle Grade novel-in-verse will prompt readers of all ages to consider how we approach otherness, familial roles and expectations, grief and trauma, and our own personal connections to the cultural and societal forces that shape us.
Clare’s story, though set amid the uncertainty of the Second World War, will resonate with any girl or woman who has wrestled with her place in life. Clare must not only choose whether to be guided by the stereotypes into which she has immersed or allow her experience to reveal to her the common threads that unite all human spirits.
Clare’s story, though set amid the uncertainty of the Second World War, will resonate with any girl or woman who has wrestled with her place in life. Clare must not only choose whether to be guided by the stereotypes into which she has immersed or allow her experience to reveal to her the common threads that unite all human spirits.
July 31, 2023
I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book and simply loved it! I couldn’t put it down. I was a bit nervous about it being a novel in verse but it was easy to read, follow, and understand. I learned new things about WW2 (and I read a ton of fiction and nonfiction from and about that era) and enjoyed the historical details. The characters were well written and managed many of the complex emotions of that time that will interest and engage MG readers. What a delightful addition to my favorite genre!
October 3, 2023
I loved this book! This Middle Grade + (I say plus because I think it can be a powerful story for many beyond their Middle Grade years) novel follows 2 perspectives. 1 story is that of Claire, an 8th grader(age 13) in 1944, living on her family’s apple orchard in Michigan. The other is that of Karl, who is described as “still a boy, but expected to act like a man” (which seems like that would make him 16 or 17, although his age is not explicitly stated), who is a German POW.
Through her powerful and lyrical verses, author Dana Vanderlugt, is able to weave a powerful and compelling story of common humanity, grief and trauma, the victims of war, the power of perspective, and the beauty of an unlikely friendship.
As the story progresses, Claire and Karl, who come from very different worlds, stories, start to share more similarities. Each shackled by the weight of duty and each bound to a future set out FOR them instead of BY them. Claire longs to be a nurse in a time where most girls don’t attend school past grade 7/8. Karl, as he comes to terms with the lies he’s been told, longs for a future different and more courageous than the one set before him as a Hitler Youth.
The author tells the lesser known story of German POWs being sent to work on farms, sometimes in Michigan, during WWII in a way that is gut wrenching but still digestible for a younger audience. Make sure to read the authors note as she goes into detail on her own personal connection to this story and her own family’s apple orchard.
Read for:
Unlikely friendship
Historical fiction set in WWII
Middle Grade +
Novel in Verse
Dual POV
Apple Orchard in autumn vibes
Based on a true story
Coming of age
POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW 👇🏻
Here are some of my favorite quotes from this novel that almost had me in tears.
“The people watching who will no longer think of our family as who we are, but who we are missing”
“People kept assuring me it would be okay to cry, but how do you cry when you’re already underwater? “
Through her powerful and lyrical verses, author Dana Vanderlugt, is able to weave a powerful and compelling story of common humanity, grief and trauma, the victims of war, the power of perspective, and the beauty of an unlikely friendship.
As the story progresses, Claire and Karl, who come from very different worlds, stories, start to share more similarities. Each shackled by the weight of duty and each bound to a future set out FOR them instead of BY them. Claire longs to be a nurse in a time where most girls don’t attend school past grade 7/8. Karl, as he comes to terms with the lies he’s been told, longs for a future different and more courageous than the one set before him as a Hitler Youth.
The author tells the lesser known story of German POWs being sent to work on farms, sometimes in Michigan, during WWII in a way that is gut wrenching but still digestible for a younger audience. Make sure to read the authors note as she goes into detail on her own personal connection to this story and her own family’s apple orchard.
Read for:
Unlikely friendship
Historical fiction set in WWII
Middle Grade +
Novel in Verse
Dual POV
Apple Orchard in autumn vibes
Based on a true story
Coming of age
POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW 👇🏻
Here are some of my favorite quotes from this novel that almost had me in tears.
“The people watching who will no longer think of our family as who we are, but who we are missing”
“People kept assuring me it would be okay to cry, but how do you cry when you’re already underwater? “
July 6, 2023
A fascinating look at a lesser-known aspect of WWII. Claire's family takes the government up on their offer of German POW's work on their family orchard. Meanwhile, Karl, a very young German soldier just out of Hitler's Youth is confronting the many lies he has long believed, including that Germany completely demolished many of America's thriving cities, and what that means for the many other lies they've been fed.
Prior to reading this story, I did not know that enemy soldiers were housed in midwestern camps, and farmed out to work where American young men were now absent because of WWII. This story is based on a true story at the author's family's orchard. I felt conflicted over how quickly Claire and Karl's friendship grew, because of his history as a low level Nazi soldier. But I felt the author did a decent job showing his de-programization from the propaganda he'd grown up in, and his character arc from one who just stands by and lets things happen to actively resisting the fellow prisoners who were out to do harm. I feel like she could have pushed this whole theme further, especially with how much disinformation we all face these days.
The writing is lyrically stunning. Beautiful lines that took my breath away. And I had no idea about the twist coming. It completely threw me. I was fascinated by the author's personal history with this story. And appreciated the author's note at the end where I learned more about the history referenced in the story.
Prior to reading this story, I did not know that enemy soldiers were housed in midwestern camps, and farmed out to work where American young men were now absent because of WWII. This story is based on a true story at the author's family's orchard. I felt conflicted over how quickly Claire and Karl's friendship grew, because of his history as a low level Nazi soldier. But I felt the author did a decent job showing his de-programization from the propaganda he'd grown up in, and his character arc from one who just stands by and lets things happen to actively resisting the fellow prisoners who were out to do harm. I feel like she could have pushed this whole theme further, especially with how much disinformation we all face these days.
The writing is lyrically stunning. Beautiful lines that took my breath away. And I had no idea about the twist coming. It completely threw me. I was fascinated by the author's personal history with this story. And appreciated the author's note at the end where I learned more about the history referenced in the story.
September 17, 2023
This book just arrived in my mailbox a few days ago. Wow! It is now one of my favorites for the year!
ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a novel in verse by debut author Dana Vanderlugt. Set in Michigan during World War II, readers will learn about some little known history. During the war the U.S. government decided to ship some German POWs to the States to help provide relief for the labor shortage. A group of POWs were sent to a camp in Michigan where they helped in an apple orchard.
Claire's family is missing her older brother Danny, who is off fighting in Europe. Harvesting the apples and running the orchard store is taking its toll on her father and mother without the help of her brother. A group of German soldiers comes to the orchard to help. There are benefits for both sides, but of course, putting together Americans and Germans is also cause for concern.
Claire finds herself becoming friendly with a German named Karl. Since he can speak English, he is assigned to help in the store and given more responsibilities than the other POWs. It becomes clear that some of the Germans are feeling lucky to be in the States away from the fighting while others still have a strong connection to Hitler and the German war mission.
The narration alternates between Claire and Karl. Readers are able to follow the thought processes of both sides in this war situation. Vanderlugt weaves in facts from her family's experiences in Michigan along with her fictional account of this rare view of enemies interacting.
ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a must-read for readers of all ages.
ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a novel in verse by debut author Dana Vanderlugt. Set in Michigan during World War II, readers will learn about some little known history. During the war the U.S. government decided to ship some German POWs to the States to help provide relief for the labor shortage. A group of POWs were sent to a camp in Michigan where they helped in an apple orchard.
Claire's family is missing her older brother Danny, who is off fighting in Europe. Harvesting the apples and running the orchard store is taking its toll on her father and mother without the help of her brother. A group of German soldiers comes to the orchard to help. There are benefits for both sides, but of course, putting together Americans and Germans is also cause for concern.
Claire finds herself becoming friendly with a German named Karl. Since he can speak English, he is assigned to help in the store and given more responsibilities than the other POWs. It becomes clear that some of the Germans are feeling lucky to be in the States away from the fighting while others still have a strong connection to Hitler and the German war mission.
The narration alternates between Claire and Karl. Readers are able to follow the thought processes of both sides in this war situation. Vanderlugt weaves in facts from her family's experiences in Michigan along with her fictional account of this rare view of enemies interacting.
ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a must-read for readers of all ages.
October 8, 2023
“Enemies in the Orchard” is a stirring and well-crafted lyrical war novel with themes of forgiveness, goodness, morality, and love. It is very different than I expected, which was more of a traditional war story. But these stories in verse are quite unique and, in some ways, more impactful than a typical narrative.
I don’t believe I’ve ever read a novel in verse before, and I find it fascinating, fresh, and stimulating. Based on true story, Claire and Karl tell their experiences through their struggles, pains, and stereotypes from opposite sides of the war. Their stories pulled so many emotions from me. (Have a tissue handy.)
I love it when a story, whether fiction or non, teaches me something new. This one has done that. It entertained, stirred, and inspired me. I enjoyed this new-to-me style of storytelling and would gladly read more from this author.
First Line: I am from hand-me-downs, soft McIntosh apples simmered down to sauce, and crisp, hard Cortlands eaten straight off the tree.
Genre: Stories in Verse, YA, Holocaust Fiction, WWII
Author: Dana Vanderlugt
Page Count: 288
Reading Age: 9+
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
I don’t believe I’ve ever read a novel in verse before, and I find it fascinating, fresh, and stimulating. Based on true story, Claire and Karl tell their experiences through their struggles, pains, and stereotypes from opposite sides of the war. Their stories pulled so many emotions from me. (Have a tissue handy.)
I love it when a story, whether fiction or non, teaches me something new. This one has done that. It entertained, stirred, and inspired me. I enjoyed this new-to-me style of storytelling and would gladly read more from this author.
First Line: I am from hand-me-downs, soft McIntosh apples simmered down to sauce, and crisp, hard Cortlands eaten straight off the tree.
Genre: Stories in Verse, YA, Holocaust Fiction, WWII
Author: Dana Vanderlugt
Page Count: 288
Reading Age: 9+
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Read
May 16, 2024no rating <3
🍎🪖🎖️
overview: I enjoyed this; it was short, thoughtful, and the last three chapters in Karl’s POV made tears well up in my eyes.
quick rant about the relationship: I am unsure of how I feel about a romance (which was a whole two paragraph type of thing, so nothing to be worried about) between them? Claire is thirteen and Karl’s exact age isn’t said, but he’s old enough to be a soldier. This was only based on a true story so the author could’ve taken creative liberties, but I feel like either Claire should’ve been a little bit older or left it as friendship 🤷🏼♀️ I do understand that was a different time, but I firmly believe that thirteen is too young for anything romantic, especially with an sixteen-eighteen year old, period.
writing: the nature descriptions are short and pretty; this book brings up hard-hitting themes and questions.
season: fall.
———
content: language (some insults but nothing profane). sexual (a whistle, a wink, touching hands). other (talk of war, semi detailed scenes, talk of death, etc).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
🍎🪖🎖️
overview: I enjoyed this; it was short, thoughtful, and the last three chapters in Karl’s POV made tears well up in my eyes.
quick rant about the relationship: I am unsure of how I feel about a romance (which was a whole two paragraph type of thing, so nothing to be worried about) between them? Claire is thirteen and Karl’s exact age isn’t said, but he’s old enough to be a soldier. This was only based on a true story so the author could’ve taken creative liberties, but I feel like either Claire should’ve been a little bit older or left it as friendship 🤷🏼♀️ I do understand that was a different time, but I firmly believe that thirteen is too young for anything romantic, especially with an sixteen-eighteen year old, period.
writing: the nature descriptions are short and pretty; this book brings up hard-hitting themes and questions.
season: fall.
———
content: language (some insults but nothing profane). sexual (a whistle, a wink, touching hands). other (talk of war, semi detailed scenes, talk of death, etc).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
January 9, 2025
This was a great read! Recommended by one of my sweet former students, who is now a teacher, I couldn't put this down. I learned that during WW2, POW's were allowed to work certain jobs to help out U.S. farmers in order to help serve in areas in which American young men/soldiers would have typically worked. In this story, which is based on a true story, a German soldier works at an orchard to help bring in the harvest. There are mixed emotions though as the family he works for is without their son because he is overseas fighting for America.
This was insightful and thought provoking for me. It was beautifully written and I will strongly recommend it to my students. (Thank you, Hallie:))
Beautiful imagery. Heartbreaking, quick read.
One of my favorite lines: "I close the magazine, bile rising in my throat, understanding that the truth has chased me down and we deserve - I deserve far worse than a prison of trees."
This was insightful and thought provoking for me. It was beautifully written and I will strongly recommend it to my students. (Thank you, Hallie:))
Beautiful imagery. Heartbreaking, quick read.
One of my favorite lines: "I close the magazine, bile rising in my throat, understanding that the truth has chased me down and we deserve - I deserve far worse than a prison of trees."
Read
March 12, 2023Enemies in the Orchard opened up a piece of history that I did not realize existed. POWs lived right here in my own state! Watching the story unfold through Claire's eyes, as well as Karl's, allowed me to connect to two very different people who are actually very much the same. We all just want home, kindness, acceptance, and peace. To be able to offer those gifts to enemies in the midst of war seems like an incredible sacrifice. The story has many memorable characters who feel like people that we know, but it is the shocking ending of the book that will stay with me long after the final page is closed. I plan to put this beautifully written story into the hands of as many young people as possible.
October 5, 2023
“I am from hand me downs, soft McIntosh apples simmered down to sauce….” This first sentence pulled me into Claire’s family apple orchard as soon as I read it. Little did I know that this book would be The Best Book I’ve read in 2023 if not longer. Set in WWII and written in verse tells the story of the two main characters; Claire and Karl (a WWII German POW) through a span of about a year on how they each adapt to many challenges either personal or global. This is THE BEST book I’ve read in 2023 if not longer, and when I finished it I’ve been recommending it to everyone! I was so invested in this book I needed up hugging my husband at the end because I wasn’t ready for it to be over! If you are able to read this please do! You will not be disappointed!
July 25, 2023
Even though this is billed as a children's book, adults would do well to read it, too. Based on real events, this novel takes place in Michigan during World War II where German POWs are brought in to work in a family's apple orchard. Although it is listed as for 9-12-year=olds, I would say it would be more appropriate for 12-14-year-olds, because of some situations in the story. Otherwise, it is a beautifully written story that brings to light a part of WWII history on the home front that is not often covered.
September 19, 2023
Absolutely loved this book, told in verse and in the point of view not normally found in WW2 books, a POW. Claire is a teenager living in West Michigan on her family's apple orchard. With the ongoing war, there are not enough workers to help bring in the apple crop, so her father enlists in the help of German POWs being held in the area. Karl is one of the POWs and this story tells the story of their apple picking season in alternating point of views.
I listened to this on audio via NetGalley and highly recommend it.
I listened to this on audio via NetGalley and highly recommend it.
July 30, 2024
I was so interested in this story/history, and was starting to get attached to the characters, but I wish it had been in prose rather than verse. The story felt too substantial for the format and left me a bit disappointed. In general, I’m a little tired of novels in verse, and this was so close to being something really special.
I also felt that the relationship between Claire and Karl needed clarification due to the age difference. Was it intended to be romantic or sibling? The uncertainty was distracting for me.
I also felt that the relationship between Claire and Karl needed clarification due to the age difference. Was it intended to be romantic or sibling? The uncertainty was distracting for me.
December 11, 2024
A gorgeous tear-jerker of a verse novel for upper primary/junior secondary readers and all ages over that, set in the US in the latter part of World War II. Chapters alternate between Claire (a 13 year old whose family have an apple orchard, with her older brother fighting overseas), and Karl (a young German POW from a nearby labour camp). This would be a very accessible historical text for those middle grade readers, and a perfect book for developing empathy. Beautifully written and grounded in historical events. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2025
I could have read this book in one sitting but I was trying to savor it. Hands down one of the best books I’ve read in years. I loved the back and forth perspective of Claire, a Michigan farmer’s daughter and Karl a German POW sent to work their Orchard during WWII. The story is fictional but based on real historical events. Exquisitely written in prose with profound insight into what divides and unites humanity. Accessible for middle schoolers while still appealing to any age adult. So many themes are explored with sensitivity and empathy. Highly recommend!
September 24, 2023
I read this in one sitting - I couldn’t put it down! The imagery is phenomenal and the storyline is compelling. Though this is a YA novel, the historical aspects kept me intrigued and the role of both characters/narrators was powerful. A beautiful story of the heartache of war from both sides and the people swept up in it. Plus, an ending I did NOT predict! I highly recommend this novel in verse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews