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chitownjr's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Fun kids' book with lots of information about WWII, including more serious subjects like antisemitism, propaganda, racism and colonialism
chrissiemwright's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Major plotting problems. Great opener, middle with no tension (no shit he was going to pass his training), then spark of action at the end with a cliffhanger. Dybbuk and kobold played no function in the plot for 95% of the book which drove me nuts.
arrrgh_schooling's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
yapha's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
While the dybbuk and the kobold on Max's shoulders lend an element of fantasy to this book, I would place it pretty squarely in historical fiction. Max is growing up in Berlin as the Nazis rise to power, facing growing antisemitism that not only restricts what he can do but leads to beatings and more. His parents are able to get him on the kindertransport to England, where he is taken in by a wealthy Jewish family. While this saves his life, he still faces a great deal of antisemitism in England. Although he is physically safe, Max is very worried about his parents and comes up with a plan to get himself back to Berlin to find them. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say there is a second book on the way and you're going to want to read it when you finish this one! Highly recommended for grades 5 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
bethfishreads's review
5.0
This middle-grade story set during WWII softens tough topics through the use of humor.
After Kristallnacht, Max's parents knew they had to try to leave Germany, but no country would take adults. Thanks to the Kindertransport program, Max was able to leave Berlin to live with a family in England.
The novel focuses on how Max coped: leaving his country and family, living in a new home with strangers, learning to get along at a new school, getting proficient in a new language, and later dealing with the Blitz. Max's emotions feel authentic, and the book doesn't shy away from antisemitism--even in England.
Humor is provided by two spirits who live on Max's shoulders. They first appeared when Max was on the train from Berlin to the Netherlands. The Kobold and Dybbuk banter, make jokes, and are meant to create havoc. They, however, end up bolstering Max, giving him advice, and helping him feel less alone.
When Max gets the chance to help England's war effort, he goes through spy training, in which he must perform a series of tasks--both physical and mental.
While the UK didn't train 12-year-old spies, much of the book is, in fact, based on history. The book ends on a cliff-hanger, and I truly can't wait to read about Max's next adventures.
The physical book contains photos and an annotated bibliography. However, I recommend giving the audiobook a try. Euan Morton is fantastic. He's engaging, expressive, and dramatic; he delivers the humor with perfect timing; and his voices and accents feel spot-on. This audiobook deserves awards.
Thanks to Dutton Children's Books and PRH Audio for the review copies.
After Kristallnacht, Max's parents knew they had to try to leave Germany, but no country would take adults. Thanks to the Kindertransport program, Max was able to leave Berlin to live with a family in England.
The novel focuses on how Max coped: leaving his country and family, living in a new home with strangers, learning to get along at a new school, getting proficient in a new language, and later dealing with the Blitz. Max's emotions feel authentic, and the book doesn't shy away from antisemitism--even in England.
Humor is provided by two spirits who live on Max's shoulders. They first appeared when Max was on the train from Berlin to the Netherlands. The Kobold and Dybbuk banter, make jokes, and are meant to create havoc. They, however, end up bolstering Max, giving him advice, and helping him feel less alone.
When Max gets the chance to help England's war effort, he goes through spy training, in which he must perform a series of tasks--both physical and mental.
While the UK didn't train 12-year-old spies, much of the book is, in fact, based on history. The book ends on a cliff-hanger, and I truly can't wait to read about Max's next adventures.
The physical book contains photos and an annotated bibliography. However, I recommend giving the audiobook a try. Euan Morton is fantastic. He's engaging, expressive, and dramatic; he delivers the humor with perfect timing; and his voices and accents feel spot-on. This audiobook deserves awards.
Thanks to Dutton Children's Books and PRH Audio for the review copies.
thebookmommy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
oliviapaige3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
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