About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking difficult questions about how neighbors and friends can suddenly turn against one another during times of political unrest. It is an essential choice for families looking to move beyond textbook facts to understand the human cost of the Holocaust through the eyes of two young boys. By focusing on the shifting dynamics of a school setting, the story provides a relatable entry point for children to discuss loyalty, fear, and the loss of safety. This historical novel explores the lives of nine-year-old boys, one Jewish and one German, as their world transforms into a nightmare of state-sanctioned hate. While the subject matter is undeniably heavy, the narrative serves as a powerful tool for building empathy and historical literacy. It is best suited for mature middle-grade readers who are ready to engage with the reality that history is made of individual choices and that standing up for others is both a challenge and a necessity.
