The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

How I Heard About It
*I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's upcoming middle-grade novel from Penguin Random House.  When it comes to Kimberly, you know you are in for a wonderful and heartfelt story.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Kimberly takes the reader back to 1942 when the Nazis are taking over France.  

*The main character Miriam is Jewish and knows she and her family are not safe.

*When her village is overtaken by the Nazi's, Miriam is saved and finds herself in a small French village.  

*During her escape, a neighbor lady gives Miriam her small child because she thinks the child will be safer with Miriam.

*After Miriam and the small child become separated, Miriam is taken to a boarding school where she must pretend to be someone different in order to stay safe and alive.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*As with all of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's novels, I was drawn in from the beginning and stayed interested for the entire reading.  

*The writing was spot on, the characters were engaging, and the plot moved along at a perfect pace.

*Many stories have been written about this time in our history, but Kimberly takes on a different view and aspect of how this horrific time impacted young children.

*I loved the strength, courage, and perseverance that Miriam showed during her entire ordeal.

*If educators and/or young readers are looking for a new and engaging historical fiction story, this is definitely the one to put on your TBR list.


Who Should Read It:
*The perfect novel to be used in any and all middle-school classrooms.  Strong fifth and sixth grade readers would also be suited for the plot line.  The story will lend itself to either being used as a class read aloud and/or put in the hands of individual readers.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars