About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to notice how political climates or social peer groups can unfairly dictate who is allowed to be friends. It is a vital resource for children navigating the tension between family loyalty and personal conscience. Based on the author's own life, the story follows Inge, a Jewish girl in 1930s Vienna, and her best friend Lieselotte, whose father is an SS officer. As the Nazi regime rises, their bond is tested by laws, fear, and secrets. The narrative explores themes of unwavering loyalty, the courage required to resist injustice, and the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye. While the historical backdrop is heavy, the focus remains on the girls' resilient spirits and the small acts of bravery from those around them. It is perfectly suited for ages 10 to 14, providing a deeply human entry point into Holocaust history through the lens of a diary.
