This ambitious historical novel is a follow-up to Amanda West Lewis’s very successful novel, September 17, published in 2013.

Peter Gruber is a ten year old German boy who, in May of 1939, is dealing with the drowning death of his closest friend, and living with his mother in Hamburg. The novel follows his life through the war years and the ultimate defeat of Germany – and explores how an intelligent, sensitive youth responds to the propaganda and posturing of the Nazis. It also provides insights into the realities of living in a country at war, seen through the eyes of a boy who is drawn into the Hitler Youth and who has growing misgivings about what he is being told about his country and its destiny.

On the 2017 USBBY Outstanding International Book honor list.

One of 49th Shelf’s favorite books of the year for young readers.

Recommended by World of Words, an educational resource website from the University of Arizona.

2017 Snow Willow Award nominee.