Under review

This is the book based on the new movie out this winter. It IS a book written by Gregory MaGuire, the author of "Wicked: The Life and Times of the wicked Witch of the West." This short novel for young readers is about German-occupied France during WWII. ( )

To the dismay of their devout and gentle mother, three French brothers delight in telling outrageous lies. When Jews are hidden in their village after the fall of Paris, lying is no longer a game. ( )

Grades 4 to 6. Three students researching WWII ask a famous painter to tell them what it was like for him as a child during the war. The story he tells them is about lies -- lies told to protect Jewish people and save lives. About the effects of war on children who must play small parts in larger dramas.