Why is every historical fiction about World War II? You know, there were other wars.

At first, I thought this was going to be a snooze. The writing is straightforward. It could be used as classroom reading (and probably is and was probably written for that exact purpose). It had the earmarks of another schmaltzy obvious message WWII book like Number the Stars or The Book Thief. Nazis are bad, don’t kill Jews, war sucks, etc. etc. But it’s all delivered in such a watered-down Disneyesque way. There’s always a happy ending, there’s never any on-screen violence, no one dies, everyone learns a lesson, etc.

But in the second half, this book really picks up. Some genuine stakes come up, actual character deaths, and some violence. It doesn’t pull its punches like other YA WWII novels have done. In fact, the back half was so good, it upgraded my rating from three to four stars.

Some might say it gets a little bit Hollywood, but that’s what I need right now. WWII was generations ago, it might as well be talking about WWII. The fact that these are kids makes it higher rated for me, in that the author actually chose to take some chances and be entertaining while at the same time sending a message. ( )

ETA: I reread this one in June 2023. I remember loving Alan Gratz's work. I knew he wrote several set during the Second World War. This one was such a mighty (aka INTENSE) read. One thing I noticed in my reread were the details about books and the talk about banned books. One of my favorite scenes is when he's talking with either Simon OR his father (maybe both???) about books. He's challenged to rethink an issue. Michael's family has a hidden stash of banned books that would be burned if discovered. There's a certain risk if these books are discovered. Yet despite having access to books, Michael is not a reader. There's a line like IF YOU AREN'T READING THESE BOOKS, if you're not valuing these books, the contents of these books, they might as well be burned. I'm sure I got the scene a little wrong. Unlike Michael I don't have a photographic memory. But it reminded me of Fahrenheit 451. ( )

FROM AMAZON: Infiltrate. Befriend. Sabotage. World War II is raging. Michael O'Shaunessey, originally from Ireland, now lives in Nazi Germany with his parents. Like the other boys in his school, Michael is a member of the Hitler Youth. But Michael has a secret. He and his parents are spies. Michael despises everything the Nazis stand for. But he joins in the Hitler Youth's horrific games and book burnings, playing the part so he can gain insider knowledge. When Michael learns about Projekt 1065, a secret Nazi war mission, things get even more complicated. He must prove his loyalty to the Hitler Youth at all costs -- even if it means risking everything he cares about, including... his own life.

From School Library Journal:
Gr 7 Up—Michael O'Shaunessey may be the son of the Irish ambassador to Germany, but in 1943, with his flawless German and easy intelligence, he represents the perfect Hitler Youth, ambitiously climbing the organization's ranks. Michael is living a lie; he despises the Nazis and all they represent. He enlisted in the Hitler Youth in order to infiltrate Nazi hierarchy and access information that will assist his parents in spying for the Allies. When a friend shows him plans for the new jet airplane the Nazis are developing, his covert activities turn deadly serious. Gratz returns to the World War II era of his Prisoner B-3087 to illuminate a little-known aspect of the war. Although Ireland declared itself neutral, documents declassified decades after the war revealed its diplomats were actually collecting intelligence for the Allies. Gratz takes readers inside daily life in Germany as well as the Hitler Youth organization, deftly conveying the suspicion and fear that were the constant companions of German citizens. Michael grapples with deep moral dilemmas, including the painful choice to sacrifice one life for the greater good. An author's note offers supplemental information and background on the Hitler Youth. While the book is replete with fascinating historical insight, Gratz has also crafted a suspenseful mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With short, action-packed chapters, it is a great choice for reluctant readers as well. VERDICT A winning combination of action, suspense, and historical setting. Recommended for all collections. —Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor School District, Lancaster, PA

An action packed, tension filled WWII novel aimed at middle school and younger high school Readers. I enjoyed this one a lot more than Allied because the young James Bond vibe made for an entertaining adventure. Readers will be treated to a mash up of a lot of WWII elements. I think it is important for young Readers to listen to the author's notes at the end as it gives the historical context for this fictional story. The difficulties Michael faced blending in with his fellow Hitler Youth whilst trying to sabotage them from within made for some tense moments, as he was nearly exposed on several occasions.

I will be adding the following comment in all of my reviews of Alan Gratz's books.
Authors like Alan Gratz, who capture the interest of ‘reluctant readers’, are really important. I also love that his novels have been made into audiobooks so his engaging stories are accessible to those with learning differences. I think we can all appreciate that if you are after some more historically detailed WWII literature then you may be left wanting. I choose to enjoy Alan Gratz’s books as 'introductions' to an important period in our world's history. ( )

Great spy novel and World War II historical fiction story about an Irish boy who spies for the Allies in Berlin, as a member of the Hitler Youth. Very suspensefully written, nice short chapters with cliffhanger endings, perfect for reluctant readers. Author's note gives good historical context. 5th grade and up. ( )