By
– November 19, 2012
When his brother volunteers for military service in the trenches of Berlin during World War I, Moritz Schmidt has a difficult time evaluating his attitudes about the war and examining where his loyalties should lie. Brought up by his father, a news reporter, to be proud of his German heritage, Moritz admiringly watched as his father went to battle and courageously sacrificed his life for his country. For what, thinks Moritz, as he now sees his friends and family fighting desperately to survive each day on meager food rations and suspended wages. His mother, a bit of rebel, has become a political leader and a popular speaker for the Social Democratic Workers. Moritz, who dreams of being a writer, is offered a job with the Berliner Daily where his father worked, and has the opportunity to cover his mother’s activities. For sixteen-year-old Moritz, his work is a true awakening to the world around him as he encounters peers who are involved in illegal arms smuggling and food trading, and falls in love with a Jewish girl. Finally, when his older brother, Hans, returns home from the war, bitter on the inside and severely wounded, Moritz realizes that he must make his own choices and not hide in the shadow of his older brother. The first person narrative combined with memorable characters and fine details makes this powerful historical fiction an excellent coming of age story. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Debra Gold has been a children’s librarian for over 20 years in the Cuyahoga County Public Library System. An active member of the ALA, she has served on many committees including the Caldecott, Newbery and Batchelder committees.