Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz

In the book Projekt 1065, written by Alan Gratz, Michael O’Shaunessey is involved in the World War II war efforts in Germany. He lives in Germany, but is Irish because his father is the diplomat for the neutral Ireland in the war. In secret, Michael helped his parents gain information about the war and the generals during dinner parties and other events.

Early in the book, Michael meets a new student, Fritz, and started to become friends with him. Michael and Fritz shared secrets with each other, such as their love for American books, which were supposed to be banned from Germany. Michael did not, however, share any secrets about his work for the Allies, because he saw that Fritz was a Nazi at heart. During their tests to become part of the Hitler youth, Michael helped Fritz pass the boxing test, and Fritz helped Michael pass the test where Michael had to jump from a high height. Although after the test, Fritz began obsessing over becoming a perfect Nazi soldier, Michael stuck with him to try to gain access to his father’s German plane blueprints inside Fritz’s house. Michael’s strong memory allowed him to memorize the blueprints and record them later at his own house with his parents, and a pilot Michael had rescued during a search at the beginning of the book. The British pilot taught Michael lessons about the world, about books, and helped Michael work on improving his memory even more.

This book is an eye-opener about the war and the role the youth played. This book  teaches the reader the struggles and sacrifices of young kids and how these children were forced to mature into adults because of their circumstances. It helps the reader understand that much of the Nazi hatred was rooted in the childhood of the soldiers, and teaches the reader to be strong and do what is right for the people around them, even if that means to be selfless.

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

If you are eager to learn the true meaning of “riches to rags” then this book will explain how this particular family can turn from rich with a good life to poor in just a few Weeks. Within this story there is a young Latina girl named Esperanza who lives in Aguascalientes, Mexico with her wealthy family on her family’s ranch called “El Rancho de la Rosas.” She had thought her life would be wonderful forever and that she would always be wealthy. But a sudden tragedy shakes her world and forces Esperanza and her family to move to California. There they learn what it means to be considered “rags” by doing hard work, having bad finances, and more. The main conflict that occurs teaches Esperanza to rise over all of the problems as both her and her family’s new lives are at stake. I would rate the book a 9/10 because this book demonstrates responsibility and how the character overcomes challenges in order to help her family.

Written by Gowrish, Teen Volunteer

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Refugee, a historical fiction novel written by Alan Gratz, tells the story of three young teenagers trying to leave their homes for a brighter future throughout different time periods in History.

Josef Landau, the first boy, is trying to flee Germany by boat to Cuba during the early stages of World War II. His family decided to leave after Josef’s father was imprisoned in a German camp for six months. Unfortunately, his father began to suffer from severe PTSD upon returning home, leaving Josef to take on more responsibilities. Josef leaves with his mom, dad, and younger sister Ruthie. During the journey, Josef also turns 13, which means he becomes a man under the laws of Judaism. Another problem Josef runs into is at the landing port in Cuba. After traveling to their destination, the passengers find out that they may be turned away.

Isabel Fernandez is a girl who is attempting to leave poverty-stricken Cuba for the United States during 1994. Both Isabel’s family and her best friend Iván’s family, the Castillos, leave Cuba on a boat they had secretly been building for months. Isabel sells her most prized possession, her trumpet, to fuel the escape boat with gas. The people in Isabel’s family include her pregnant mother, her father, and her grandfather, who was the officer with control of Josef’s boat many years before. Her best friend Iván leaves with his parents, his older brother, and the girlfriend of his older brother. As the boat leaves, they are shot at, and water begins to leak out of the boat during the journey. The families must also avoid the Coast Guard, which would bring them back to Cuba.

The third character, Mahmoud Bishara, is leaving Syria, a war-zone, in 2015. In his family is his younger brother Waleed, his baby sister Hana, his mom, and his dad. At first, Mahmoud deals with his environment by being invisible and staying unnoticed. His mindset changes, however, once a bomb lands on his house, destroying what little parts of his life he had left. As Mahmoud’s family travels, they are denied travel in many countries.

As the book progresses, the three characters path’s cross, and the reader can make the connections between the lives of these teens. Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are all extremely brave and selfless. They are each forced to make sacrifices to save their loved ones. This book teaches the readers of real-issues that are in our world, even today. This novel also allows the reader to grasp at these events from the perspective of the characters.

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer

Allies by Alan Gratz

Allies, a novel written by Alan Gratz, is a historical fiction book that tells the story of four World War II survivors. Dee is a soldier who is on a boat leading towards the shore of what will be known as the D-Day battle. Samira is a French spy who is working against the Nazi army. James is a paratrooper who must leap out of a plane to fight in battle. Henry is a medic who must try to help save injured soldiers while fighting against difficulties due to his race. 

Throughout the book, the characters face physical, mental, and social challenges. They struggle with their responsibilities in the war, the mental pressure that is placed upon them, the sadness of the death surrounding them, and the relationships they try to hold onto with the other characters. This allows the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the characters and visualize the setting during each event. 

Not only will you love to read about the characters in the book, but you will gain knowledge about World War II as well. When you read this book, time seems to fly. The intricate plot of the book will ensure you are never bored. If you have enjoyed any of Alan Gratz’s other books, you will also enjoy this!

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer