Conspiracy

February 15, 2020
Near the end of World War II, two kids join their parents in a plot to kill Adolf Hitler. Max, 12, lives with his parents and his older sister in a Berlin that's under constant air bombardment. During one such raid, a mortally wounded man stumbles into the white German family's home and gasps out his last wish: "The F�hrer must die." With this nighttime visitation, Max and Gerta discover their parents have been part of a resistance cell, and the siblings want in. They meet a colorful band of upper-class types who seem almost too whimsical to be serious. Despite her charming levity, Prussian aristocrat and cell leader Frau Becker is grimly aware of the stakes. She enlists Max and Gerta as couriers who sneak forged identification papers to Jews in hiding. Max and Gerta are merely (and realistically) cogs in the adults' plans, but there's plenty of room for their own heroism. They escape capture, rescue each other when they're caught out during an air raid, and willingly put themselves repeatedly at risk to catch a spy. The fictional plotters--based on a mix of several real anti-Hitler resistance cells--are portrayed with a genuine humor, giving them the space to feel alive even in such a slim volume. It's great to see these kids "so enthusiastic about committing high treason." (historical note) (Historical fiction. 10-12)

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April 1, 2020

Gr 3-7-"Was their father planning to kill Hitler?" This is the provocative query offered in this historical fiction series debut. Brother and sister Max and Gerta Hoffmann (ages 12 and 13) reside in Berlin in the year 1943. Since their father is a sought-after surgeon and their family is not of Jewish heritage, they have an easier existence during World War II. However, this does not align them with the viewpoints of those in charge, namely Hitler. What ensues is a tale of intrigue surrounded by plot twists, spies, and heart-pounding action. Based on actual events, the plot is fast paced and engaging. Readers will be engrossed in the nonfiction elements of this book as well. VERDICT Readers who are interested in the Holocaust and the events of World War II will be enthralled by this story. This is a quick but intense read that is sure to leave patrons excited for the next installment in the series.-Megan Honeycutt, University of West Georgia

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