The Nazi Hunters by Neal Bascomb - ESSENTIAL

Bascomb, Neal The Nazi Hunters:  How a Team of Spies and Survivors Captures the World’s Most Notorious Nazi, 241 pgs.

Arthur A Levine Books, 2013. $9.34 (Kindle) $12.23 (Hardcover)

Language PG (2 swears); Mature Content:  PG; Violence: PG: 

For eight years, Adolf Eichmann was in charge of Jewish affairs for the Nazis and was responsible for sending millions of Jews to their death. As World War II ended, Eichmann reluctantly accepted defeat; and knowing that he would be hunted for war crimes, he made a plan for escape and disappeared. This book explores the culmination of many victims of Eichmann and the Holocaust and their desire to see justice met.  It reveals the discovery of Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his capture, his transportation to Israel, and ultimately his trial--an event that was able to enable the world to look, hear, and feel the horror of the Holocaust. 

This non-fiction book--packed with pictures, documents, and facts--opens the reader’s eyes to the details, excitement, and significance of this sixteen-year Nazi hunt.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because of its breadth of information, the simplicity of explanation, and suspenseful plot.  It is rated PG for two appropriate uses of language and the mature reference to events relating to the cruelty and violence experienced by the Holocaust.  Some character names and flashbacks create confusion, but this is aided by the numerous graphics.  I highly recommend this book for every high school library shelf—the interest level and historical enlightenment is fantastic.  

MS HS-ESSENTIAL. Reviewer:  Donna Huxford

The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson - ESSENTIAL

Leyson, Leon The Boy on the Wooden Box, 240 p. Atheneum (Simon), 2013.  $17.  Violence: PG (mentions of many deaths, nothing graphic).  

Leib Lejzon was a little boy in Poland when Hitler came to power and started his master plan for cleansing Europe and all of the world.  From life in the shrinking ghettos of Krakow, through the terror under Amon Goeth in the Plaszow concentration camp, Leyson details the steps that brought him under Oskar Schindler’s watchful eye and the terrible conditions and emotional agony under which he survived.  Nothing in inappropriate for teens – in fact, I am not sure he goes far enough in the details.  

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher.

The Klipfish Code by Mary Casanova-OPTIONAL

Casanova, Mary, The Klipfish Code. Sandpiper, 2007.  Pgs. 223. Language: PG, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

The year is 1942 and Nazis have taken over Norway. After her village in Lufwaffe, 12-year-old, Marit’s parents have send her away to live with relatives. Trouble follows her, however, when the Nazis begin picking 1 out of every 10 teachers and sending the to concentration camps. . As rebellion surfaces more and more in an attempt to preserve the country’s dignity and freedom, British arrive in attempt to help the Norwegians. Traitors and soldiers are everywhere. With no idea who to trust, can Marit find a way to reunite her family and maintain her individuality? Will she be able to keep out of the concentration camps?

A realistic portrayal of World War II and how war affected everyone. The story is a little slow, but the characters are likable. Readers who like World War II novels and historical fiction will enjoy reading this book.EL (4-6), MS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The FitzOsbornes at War by Michelle Cooper –NOT RECOMMENDED

Cooper, Michelle The FitzOsbornes at War(The Montmaray Journals Book #3) 560 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012. $10.87.  (Violence: PG, Language: PG, Sexual: PG13)

Told in journal format this is the continued story of the FitzOsborne royal family in exile during World War 2–told from the point of view of teenager Sophie. They are currently living in England, the Nazis having taken over their Island Country of Montmaray. Sophie goes through all the trial and tribulations of war time life –like food rationing, air-raids, lack of essentials, fear for loved ones, and more.

I am new to this series, so I kept a really open mind through about 150 pages, so I could get to know the characters and plot a bit. Then I kept reading and reading, all 560 pages of one of the most boring books I have ever read in my entire life. These characters are living through a scary and dynamic time, but something about the writing style just didn't make me feel like I was there –or care. Contained a loss of virginity scene that was pretty PG, but still, boring!!! No student will make it through this book.

HS –NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian &

Author.

Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust - ESSENTIAL

Rappaport, Doreen Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust, 204 p. Candlewick, 2012.  $23.  Violence: PG-13 (war violence).  

Usually Rappaport writes excellent, short, detailed picture books, but this time she can not be restrained as she shows time and time again that many Jews during the Holocaust worked hard and paid with their lives in order to find freedom for themselves and for their fellow Jews. 

It’s hard to find more superlatives to describe the depth of research and quality of writing in this wonder of a book.  I am a little hesitant to recommend it for elementary schools, just because of its size, but it could be valuable for any teacher who touches upon the subject.  I think I am going to need two copies for my library, but we do a lot with non-fiction here.  

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher.