Nancy McDonald

Thoughts:
This was a fun middle-grade mystery that had me intrigued throughout the course of the whole novel.
I enjoyed seeing the siblings interact. As a reader of mostly adult and young adult, I rarely get to see siblings with all of their arguing and banter so it was a fun change of pace.
The only complaint I have was that some of the German was incorrect. The words were correct but German has some grammar rules that are different from English and those were not taken into consideration.
Overall, if you or a younger reader are looking for a historical story sure to please, I'd recommend picking up One Boy's War.

Rating: 4/5
Language: n/a
Romance: n/a
Spiritual: the family is Jewish and fleeing Nazi Germany
Violence: the ship the family was on was torpedoed

*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.… (altro)

Boy from Berlin takes readers through a tense journey as Europe readies for war. From their comfortable life in Berlin to the promise of a new life in Canada, Käfer and his family fight their way to the safety of the shores of England from where they intend to immigrate to Toronto. Through evocative descriptions of current fashions, mouth-watering meals and dense, smoky skies, readers get a clear sense of life in 1938.

Käfer is a charming, clever child who strives to outdo his older brother to win his father’s favor. As he navigates new friends, new schools and dangers he’s never imagined, Käfer pieces together the horrors of WWII. Gently viewed from a child’s perspective — Käfer collects information and finds clues about the Nazis and their plans. His determination to help his family escape and make his parents proud of him are endearing throughout the story.

Underlying this fictional story are so many historical and geographical details from actual events from the author’s family history that it is sometimes hard to believe the story is fiction. The text, written for 8-12 year olds, expertly portrays the tension and dangers of WWII in a child-appropriate way. Boy from Berlin reads like a classic, middle grade adventure story with a quick pace that never bores.… (altro)

One Boy's War is a bit of a continuation of Boy from Berlin. It is all based on a ship and in London, England during 1940 in the summer. It tells the tale of a boy named Kafer who is on a ship to Canada. He ends up returning to London, England.

Kafer and his mother and sibling are on the ship to Cannada. Something happens to make them return to London. There is an adventure for Kafer on the return. The adventures are enjoyable to read. There seems to be a mystery man that Kafer spots at the hotel while he and his family are waiting in Scotland.

There seems to be an adventure that Kafer and friend named Freddy that get Kafer into so trouble. Though I do not want to spoil that goes. This book is a good read. Children will enjoy it. If you want to find out if Kafer and his family make it safe and sound to Canada or not. I would suggest picking this book up.

In London, there are more adventures that Kafer goes on and he brings his brother along for one of them. Will they escape the Nazi's ore will they not. Will Kafer save his family or will he be stopped. The twist and turns of this book make you want to read to find out.

I was turning the pages of this book. I could not put it down. This book is mostly fiction with historical events that take place and with a real family. Any historical fiction fan from middle grade and up will enjoy this. I also enjoy the fact that this book and Boy from Berlin are pretty clean in language. I did not find one bad word in either book.… (altro)

Boy From Berlin is a well-written story of a family. It tells the story of a boy and his family journey from Nazi Germany. What a compelling tale. It is great for children to learn about Berlin and what happens to Jews during Hitler's time.

The way this takes us on Kafer's journey from Berlin to England. Young readers will enjoy the adventure. They will also learn about what it was like to be Jew or some escaped from Hitler. You are pulled along with Kafer and his family. I was having a hard time turning the pages. There are surprises and twists throughout the book.

This was historical fiction read but it great for any historical fan. It one that I would recommend to pick up for middle-grade children and readers. Great for young readers as well. If you are into spies and World War 2 then this is a good book to pick and read. It is based on the true story of Kafer and his family. Though there is some fiction to it.… (altro)