As a kid I was horrified to learn about Nazi Germany and the holocaust. How could people think like that?! My naive self thought antisemitism would disappear. And, of course, so would Nazis. Unfortunately not. Here are two books to help middle grade and young adult readers with these topics. Both are told in multiple points of view.
Linked (Scholastic Press, 2021) by Gordon Korman deals with what happens when a student paints a swastika on the school walls. Meet Michael, Lincoln, and Dana all struggling with the aftermath in their quiet town. Who did it and why? (mg novel)
The Assignment (Ember, 2020) by Liza Wiemer starts out with the good intentions of a teacher wanting his students to understand how horrific the genocide of the Jews was, but his approach is wrong and two students–best friends Logan and Cade–take on the battle to get the assignment canceled. (YA novel)
Both stories have surprising twists and are thought provoking.
Gordon Korman is a many-times-published author. On his website this time, I learned his first book was published when he was fourteen!
The Assignment is Liza Wiermer’s second novel and has won numerous honors. Check it out here. Read about Lisa here.
I’m pleased you featured these good books, Sue. Late last year I queried what I think is a strong MG , the underlying theme of the story is disguised antisemitism. I did not find an agent to take it on, (not yet, anyway 😉 ) but I’m glad these established writers made theirs to print. Will be reading them both 🙂
Not yet! Good luck with your manuscript. Maybe I’ve provided comp titles for you.
The Assignment had some adult pov at the end that I didn’t think was necessary. The info could have been relayed through the teens. But I’m one who struggles if there are two many povs.
I loved Linked by Korman, so I’m sure I would enjoye The Assignment by Wiemer. Like you I had difficulty dealing with the holocaust as a teen and young adult. But, now I can’t read enough stories. Thanks for sharing!
Cool!
I think I’ve read another book by Liza Weimer that I really liked. Her name is familiar. I really want to check out her book. I’ve read and enjoyed a book by Gordon Korman before, too– amazing that he was first published so young! Good for him.
Amazing is right!
Linked was one of my favorite Korman books. I don’t have much time to read more than 1 or 2 YA per year, but I jotted THE ASSIGNMENT down for a future read. Thanks for your review and for having it as a part of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.