A review by clarissa_reads99
Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II by Adam Gidwitz

5.0

This is a wonderful book. Max is a Jewish boy growing up in Berlin when the Nazis take over. He is sent to Britain by his parents to keep him safe. Unfortunately, his parents are not allowed to come with him, Jewish adults were not welcome in Many parts of the world in those days. While on his way to England Max discovers that a Kobold and a Dybbuk two characters from folklore have appeared on his shoulders. No one else can see or hear them, but they talk to Max. They are there mostly to heckle him, but they befriend him, and add some levity to what might otherwise be a grim situation. Max is a clever and engaging character. We get to see him strike back against prejudiced people, and form bonds with some members of the family who have taken him in.

Max worries about his sweet kind parents, whom has has always felt protective of. What he wants more than anything is to return to Berlin and take care of his parents. Fortunately for Max he gets the opportunity to become a spy and return to Germany if only he can make it through the training course for spies, and succeed in the tasks that have been set for him.

Despite the subject matter this book was funny and Max is a character you are rooting for from the start!