The Sky Was My Blanket by Uri Shulevitz*

 Mr. Shulevitz shares his uncle's story as he travels across Europe before and during WWII. At the age of fifteen and a half, he leaves his home in Poland and traverses many countries, living with other Jews, working, and learning. Readers will be amazed how he endured difficulties beyond our modern comprehension. 

The chapters are short. The sentences are short and to the point also. 

This book was Mr. Shulevitz's last one.

*Highly recommend.

Discuss: What was Yehiel Szulewicz's worldview? What did he believe about God? 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker art by Jon Klassen*

 It all began with kittens. Lucas, an orphan who resides in an abbey in German-occupied Lamorlaye, France, rescues kittens before two boys can drown them. Sequestering them in an abandoned stable, Lucas resolves to feed them & keep them alive. Then Alice barges into his secret. She has a secret too- A horse the Nazis think is dead. As the two form a friendship, they do not realize that soon they would be rescusing a baby boy who was "bred" to be a Nazi.

A fascinating, fast-paced novel about WWII    I had not remembered or known about the Germans setting up Lebensborns, institutions that housed pregnant women who were about to give birth to "racially valuable" babies. As a mom, I did not like where Lucas goes at the end. 

I liked how Ms. Pennypacker clearly stated what was fictional and what was actual after the novel ended.

Considerations: Although this book is caterogized as "middle grade", I would recommend it for junior high or older because of the nature of Lebensborns. Violence during Nazi raids, bullies, Nazis & WWII, God's name used in vain a few times

Desmond Doss- Conscientious Objector by Frances M. Doss

 The Story of an Unlikely Hero

At an early age Desmond Doss adhered to Seventh-Day Adventist faith. His devotion to God and the Seventh-Day Adventist belief system required him to object to some military requirements. God honored his convictions. Mr. Doss saved many lives during WW II.

This book is written by his second wife. The first two-thirds of the book focus on his childhood, his first marriage, and his service during WWII. The last third section of the book relates how God continued to bless him in his retirement, through health issues and with his second marriage to Frances. As the book progressed it became less interesting. 

When my son was studying WWII, I looked into watching the movie Hacksaw Ridge. We thought it would be too violent to watch. Seeing that the movie was based on a real man, I looked to see if there were any books about him and discovered this one!

I am not highly recommending it is not as well-written as most books. I loved the topic & also loved being amazed by this man!

-Borrowed via ILL.

Consideration: Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs

Hidden in Silence -DVD

 Based on a true story

To enhance my son's study of the Holocaust, I had our family watch this movie. 

During War World II, Stefania, a seventeen-year-old Polish Roman Catholic, hides Jews in two different homes. Not only does she hide them, but she also risks her life by leading them out of the Polish Ghetto, gathers food to feed them, and also secures a job to pay to support all of them. Towards the end of the war, the Nazis take over her home to serve as a house for nurses. As a result, the Jews hide in the attic, right above the Nazis!! Incredible.

My son wasn't overly thrilled with the movie . . .in the first third of it, he commented, "Mom, this isn't a very good movie." When I reminded him it was to expose him to the horrors of the Holocaust and what they endured, he settled down & changed his perspective. By end he said it was good in the sense that it brought this era of history to life. 

Warning: The Nazi nurses slept with soldiers-some scenes of intimacy were included-you can easily fast forward these parts. Of course, war violence & senseless cruelty to the Jews.

-Borrowed from the library.

A novel based on Stefania's story has been published: The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron.

Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan illustrated by Mary Reardon*

 Twelve-year-old Peter and his friends seize the opportunity to remove the Norwegian village's, Riswyk, gold. On their sleds, the children haul down thousands of pounds of gold bullion to board a ship bound for the USA.  The German soldiers conclude the kids are just having fun in the snow-sledding and building snowmen. Then the Nazi Commandant almost uncovers the last bit of gold hidden under the snow. Thinking quickly, Peter throws a snowball at the Commandant, which distracts him and saves the gold from being discovered. Peter is taken into Nazi custody. Will he be put to death?

A very exciting book based on true events

*Highly recommend.  If I were teaching a WWII unit to 8-14 year-olds, I have them read this book and The Winged Watchman. Boys will especially enjoy both of these books.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Borrowed House by Hilda van Stockum

 After two years of living in Germany with her nurse, twelve-year-old Janna travels to occupied Holland to join her actor parents. The Baron, her mother's friend, has provided a house for them and another family. The former owners, the van Arkels, were forced to leave. Before arriving to Holland, Janna was a member of the Hitler Youth. She soon discovers as she interacts with the household staff and witnesses how the Germans treat the Dutch, she has brainwashed and has been fed lies. As World War II rages, Janna realizes the truth about Hitler and the Jews. By the end of the story her perspective has transformed.

I have not read many World War II books from the perspective of a character who loves Hitler and his beliefs. It was interesting to read what she believed to be truth and how it affected her interactions. The plot captivated me. 

Janna's parents, both actors, maintain an odd relationship throughout the book. I did not find it believable. Janna's mother, Mechtild, loves the Baron and his generosity. They are having an affair (nothing graphic is described). Her father, Otto, knows it is occurring but often just makes a snide comment or looks away. Toward the end Otto and the Baron engage in a fist fight over Mechtild. The resolution results too quickly and shallowly. Also, Janna's parents seem more interested in themselves and their careers than being her parents. Their parenting desires fluctuate throughout the story. By its conclusion, it appears they understand the importance of being together. They just seem shallow and self-centered. This part of the book did not appeal to me and is why I am not "highly recommending" it. Other aspects were superb.

This book is more suited for an older audience, but again, it has the appearance of a book for elementary age readers.

Why it is for older readers: Janna's mother's affair-very apparent throughout the book; WWII violence/cruelty; the other family in the house has a party with SS soldiers-Janna, who is bored, walks into the party. An SS soldier pulls her onto his lap and attempts to kiss her two times; An older boy, who she likes, gives her a goodbye kiss (nothing inappropriate); the German father  of the other family who lives there physically abuses his son

-I own this book.

The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum*

 I read this book aloud to my sixteen-year-old son during lunch. This exciting novel engaged us and deepened our appreciation for ordinary Dutch citizens who sacrificed their lives for their fellow-countrymen.

Joris and Dirk Jan Verhagen live in a mill with their parents and little sister Trixie. During WW II their family assists many individuals, from a Jewish baby hidden in a garden to members of the Resistance to two little girls whose parents must hide to a English bomber to an escapee (They also assist in many other situations!). Their neighbors, the wealthy Schenderhans, have a son who is a Landwatcher, working for the enemy. His diligent "watching" causes much consternation throughout the book.

I love how this book brings to life the impact of WWII  has on one country, on one small village, and on one family. Although this book is fictional, the accounts are based on what real Dutchmen and women did.  Ms. van Stockum is an excellent storyteller.

This book has the appearance for elementary age readers, but with the descriptions of how the Nazis treated the people, I would recommend it for twelve years & older. High schoolers may label it too young for them, but I think they would enjoy it.

Considerations/things to discuss: war violence, cruelty, mean characters, the Verhagen family is Catholic  Their view of God and their theology will contradict Protestants. Parents may want to discuss the family's theology with younger children who are not solid in their faith. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Hitler and the Habsburgs by James Longo*

 A couple years ago my uncle informed me that his granddaugher (my cousin once removed) had researched our family while studying in Europe and discovered that my dad's (maternal-Rittenhouse) family line came from the Habsburg family! This year my son is studying modern history. While reading about Archduke Franz Ferdinand (a Habsburg) and his wife, Sophie, I was intrigued. Their love and marriage was unique for royalty. Their assassination sparked the start of WWI. But what happened to their three children? I searched the library system for a book and found this one!

Mr. Longo simultaneoulsy relays Hitler's childhood and rise to power and Habsburg/Hohenberg family's resilence to death and political upheaval and torture. He writes in an interesting manner. Without bogging the reader down with extraneous historical information, he relates this amazing family's story. Even if one is not a history fan, they will be enthralled with this family's bravery. This family's character in the face of evil inspired me.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Meet Molly-An American Girl 1944 #1

 Molly & her friends are trying to come up with an amazing Halloween costume during a time when money and resources are limited. Molly's mother suggests that they dress as hulu girls with paper flowers and grass skirts made out of newspaper & crepe paper. When Molly & her friends make fun of Ricky for liking a girl, he vows to get revenge. A "war" breaks out between them. Molly, her friends, and Ricky learn some valuable lessons about anger and revenge.

Considerations: lying, Molly likes it when someone is jealous of her, anger & revenge (Molly's mother address this)-all bad behavior is portrayed as bad and consequences occur, Ricky has a crush on Jill's friend, so Molly & friends sing the "K-I-S-S-I-N-G" song to him

-Borrowed from the library.

American Girls Collection-Molly's Surprise-A Christmas Story Book Three by Valerie Tripp illustrated by Nick Backes

 I am giving my niece the American Girls Collection-Molly for Christmas this year. I decided to preview a couple of the books in the series.

Molly and her family are missing their father, Dr. McIntire, this Christmas. He is serving as doctor in England during WWII. Without their dad at home, Christmas would not be full of surprises. Their dad loves surprises, especially at Christmas. 

Girl readers will relate to Molly's excitement over Christmas and a big snowfall and her exasperation over her older sister Jill trying to be overly mature. 

A great series for transitional girl readers

I like how in the back the author shares specific facts about Christmas in 1944.

Consideration: The older siblings mention something about Santa that may cause readers to doubt his existence. 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Teacher of Nomad Land -A World War II Story by Daniel Nayeri*

  Babak, age 13, and his sister Sana, age 8, are orphans. When the British and the Soviets invade Iran, the British mistake their father and a group of goatherd as resistant fighters. They shoot at them, causing a rocky ledge to fall, killing them.

For a year the siblings live apart (in the same town) with Babak saving his money in a hole in a wall. After the money is stolen by his caretakers, he and his sister leave, hoping to join the nomadic tribe. Babak tries to convince them he can continue his father's former job teaching their children to read. The tribe's leader, Mr. Hussein, is not impressed with Babak. On their despondent trip back to their home town, they encounter a German spy and a Jewish boy on the run. These two individuals add excitement to the plot, which lasts until the last chapter!

I had not realized that WWII had trickled into Iran. So many books have been written about WWII so reading one about a little known topic (at least to me) was intriguing.

The chapters are short. The plot is well-paced. The characters are likable. I especially like how the first chapter (the main reason for his father's death) foreshadows the plot in the last chapter with opposite results!

God is mentioned often. But is it God or Allah? Probably Allah since Iran is mostly Muslim.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The World Entire by Elizabeth Brown illustrated by Melissa Castrillon*

 Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a diplomat for Portugal, with an office in Bordeaux, France. With Hitler and his armies creeping across Europe, many Jews sought visas for Portugal. The prime minister denied Mendes permission or did not reply to his requests. Although he knew it would affect him and his family negatively, Mendes disobeyed the prime minister and signed thousands of visas from January 1, 1940 into June, 1940. When the Nazis invaded France, many Jewish refugees tried to escape to Portugal. He decided to issue visas and signed thousands over twenty-three days. He also led the refugees on back roads to avoid the check points and forged passports for Jewish refugees. These actions eventually cost him his career, his home, and his family's status.

A couple of famous people who owe their lives to him: Salvador Dali, Marget Rey & H.A. Rey. 

*Highly recommend. I would even share this book with high schoolers even though it would be an easy read for them. Mendes is an inspiring person. 

-Borrowed via ILL.

Thirty Minutes Over Oregon by Marc Tyler Nobleman illustrated by Melissa Iwai*

On September 9, 1942, Nobuo Fujita completes a bombing mission-dropping bombs so a fire would destroy Oregon's woods. Two times Nobuo accomplishes this mission; both times his bombs do not succeed in their goal. His mission is interesting, but the responses of the town Brookings, Oregon, and Nubuo years later are the most compelling and inspiring!

Discuss/consider: It mentions seppuku, traditional Japanese suicide.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Spider Lady by Penny Parker Klostermann illustrated by Anne Lambelet**

 I read a review of this book in World magazine and was intrigued.

What an amazing woman Nan Songer was!! She raised spiders to harvest silk for crosshairs for gunsights during WW II. This book details how she learned their habits, fed them, and harvested their silk. Her perseverance with her "hobby" is inspiring!

Nan Songer's family granted the author permission to read through her unpublished journals to enrich this story.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Friendship Train by Debbie Levy illustrated by Boris Kulikov*

 After WWII, in 1947 Europe faces a cold winter without food. The U.S. government proposes a plan to help, but government plans take a lot of time to enact/pass. So Drew Pearson, a newspaper journalist, rallies the American people to make donations to these countries. The U.S. sends 500 boxcars of food! Children contributed a lot of these donations and were a huge force for raising money toward the cause.  In return, France expresses its gratitude by sending forty-nine boxcars with gifts to the U.S.

In the author's note, tinges of her political leanings peek through her writing.

*Highly recommend because of this little known piece of history! (at least to me!)

-Borrowed from the library.

The Castle on the Hill by Elizabeth Goudge*

 By accident my friend bought two copies of this title. She gifted me her second copy!

Summer of 1940 during WW II has brought despair and change to many people in England. Four sets of strangers come together at the Castle-Miss Brown (unexpectantly the new housekeeper), Mr. Birley and his nephews whose family owns the castle, Moppet & Poppet, two evacuees, and violinist Jo Isaacson. As they interact, some of the adult character face their love of self and learn to love sacrifically.

Ms. Goudge transports her readers to a specific setting and makes them feel part of it. Her settings and characters are well-developed and come to life. Her word choice and sentence structure are poetic. She weaves in deep truths and scriptural truths without being didactic  I really enjoy the way she writes. 

Consideration: One character swears throughout (d***), some characters wrestle with their view of God and His existence, a man and young lady have sex (no details are given, the reader knows they spend the night together) and later she is pregnant (so the reader infers what happens that night). The child is born early and is stillborn.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book. I wold like to own more of her books!

One Day by Michael Rosen illustrated by Benjamin Phillips

 Mr. Rosen relates the true story of Eugene Handschuh, a Hungarian Jew and a Communist in the Resistance, and of his father Oscar Handschuh who were living in Nazi occupied Paris during WW II. The two men survive a prison camp and manage to jump off a train heading to Auschwitz. 

A sobering book

-Borrowed from the library.

All Creatures Great & Small Season 5 DVD*

 A return to the Yorkshire Dales during WW II- 1941

Skeldale House hosts a skeleton crew-Siegfried & Mrs. Hall, Helen & Jimmy, and Carmody 

Each character navigates doing "their bit" for the war effort. This season is better than Season 4 because Tristan returns! My son and I were delighted for him to add his spunk and humor to the episodes! (It was sad to see Carmody leave, though.) The episodes seem to becoming more dramatic but are still wholesome and uplifting.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Considerations: They drink on a regular basis.

Francesco Tirelli's Ice Cream Shop by Tamar Meir illustrated by Yael Albert*

 Italian Francesco Tirelli loves ice cream. When he moves to Budapest, Hungry, he is disappointed at the lack of ice cream shops. He opens up his own shop and befriends many customers. One of them is Peter, who is a Jew. In 1944, when the Nazis invade Hungary, Francesco decides to hide Peter and his family plus other Jews in his ice cream shop. 

The author is Francesco's daughter-in-law.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Ark by Margot Benary-Isbert*

 My friend, a former librarian and an avid reader, recommended this book and its sequel. I am so glad she did!

The Lechow family struggles to survive in post-war Germany. Mother and her four children live in two rooms with a reluctant host. Overtime the two oldest children find employment which creates a more hopeful situation for the family. 

Each of the children have unique and endearing personalities. Readers will be exposed to a point of view not often depicted in historical fiction books-the devastation in Germany and the hardships the German people experienced as they tried to rebuild their lives. 

The author lived in Germany during this exact time period. Some of the events in the book are based on her experiences.

*Highly recommend (its sequel, Rowan Farm).

Discuss w/ more sensitive readers: Before the story begins, Margret's twin brother was shot (and their  dog, a Great Dane). Margret relates the incident to the reader. Although his death affects her tremendously, it is not a focal point of the story.

-I own this book.