Traitor

November 1, 2006
Gr 7-10-Pausewang presents an exciting and thought-provoking novel from the perspective of a teen who secretly questions the validity of Nazi ideals. In the last year of World War II, 16-year-old Anna discovers an escaped Russian POW in her village barn and makes a conscious choice to provide shelter, food, and safety, risking certain death if discovered. With her older brother, Seff, at the front and her younger brother, Felix, completely indoctrinated into the Hitler Youth Movement, Anna represents a voice of reason and humanity as she struggles to make sense of her countrys political aspirations. Like Markus Zusaks "The Book Thief" (Knopf, 2006), this novel portrays good, caring German citizens caught in the cruel domination of a mad dictator. Readers are left with a brutal and hopelessly realistic conclusion that will provide much opportunity for discussion. This is a powerful view of resistance and fortitude when ordinary citizens have little control over their lives other than their own private thoughts and beliefs."Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI"

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