All the Beautiful Things

Katrina Nannestad’s fourth Second World War story focuses on Hitler’s purges of those who were disabled, Jewish or in any way considered different. Seven-year-old Eva has a wondrous view of the world and finds everything ‘beautiful’. This story is told from the point of view of her older sister, Anna, who knows Eva must be hidden in a tiny room to keep her safe from the Nazis. Soon, other girls are hiding with Eva. Anna, her best friend Udo, and a seamstress – who makes dresses for the Nazi women – must take great risks to keep the girls safe.

Anna and Udo befriend beautiful Eva Braun when ice skating. Hitler has a chalet nearby and one day Anna goes there to meet Eva Braun, believing that she is just pretending to like Hitler, as they do, to stay safe. It’s only after the war Anna realises otherwise. This heartwarming and historically accurate story will be enjoyed by readers aged 11+.