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lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This is a hugely hopeful book with absolutely beautiful illustrations. It offers a narrative in which the protagonist is resourceful and opportunist, a protagonist always willing to try something. And yet for some reason I'm troubled with how hopeful it is--a guard catches him and his family as they're about to escape to the other side, but lets them go. When they get to the other side, they are greeted by their father, just about to escape himself. It's hopeful, and why shouldn't it be? Maybe it's today's day and age that makes me so apprehensive. Would someone in ICE do the same thing? Probably not. Do I wish they would? Absolutely. I don't know why it's so troubling, but perhaps that means it's a good thing. It clearly provokes discussion. And to go back to my previous thought, why shouldn't this be hopeful? Hope is one of the most powerful emotions, and this book certainly argues that. Great for kids interested in Germany, and great for kids in grades 2-4.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
beths0103's review against another edition
2.0
Berlin is my absolute favorite city in the entire world, so I have an emotional investment in books about the Cold War era, especially stories taking place in Berlin, getting it right. This one just didn't work for me. I felt there was too many lapses in time that weren't addressed properly. And the dark illustrations paired with dark fonts made it difficult to read in places.
em_may01's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful story that shows one small act of kindness can help a a family reunite with their dad.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
2.0
Review copy: provided by publisher
The Berlin Wall is certainly an interesting topic for a children's book. It didn't seem very likely for things to work out the way they did though. Also, as others have said, the dark text on a dark background was difficult to read.
The book could have used a little more context for readers unfamiliar with the history around Berlin.
The Berlin Wall is certainly an interesting topic for a children's book. It didn't seem very likely for things to work out the way they did though. Also, as others have said, the dark text on a dark background was difficult to read.
The book could have used a little more context for readers unfamiliar with the history around Berlin.
nicktomjoe's review against another edition
4.0
A neat little story of divided cities and families with a good rhythm and strong design, with a gentle twist at the end.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
3.0
A celebration of the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, this is Cole's debut into picturebooks and he is well aware of the interplay between text and image. He also makes the most of drama, position and perspective to affect mood and a sense of tension.
When a family is divided by the wall, both father and son try their best to find a way to defy the rules governed by law and find a way to each other. There is something admirable and courageous in the boy's ceaseless desire to find his father.
There are some powerful moments here and Cole's use of silhouette and colour draws out the dramatic on numerous occasions but I was looking for more attachment to the family and, oddly, I don't know if the characters' eyes can do that.
When a family is divided by the wall, both father and son try their best to find a way to defy the rules governed by law and find a way to each other. There is something admirable and courageous in the boy's ceaseless desire to find his father.
There are some powerful moments here and Cole's use of silhouette and colour draws out the dramatic on numerous occasions but I was looking for more attachment to the family and, oddly, I don't know if the characters' eyes can do that.
fongolia's review against another edition
2.0
Beautiful artwork, but strangely at odds with the subject matter. A little too cheery with an hard to believe happy ending. Maybe because I recently watched Bridge of Spies where people were being shot as they tried to climb over the wall, but it seemed implausible that the soldier just lets the family go with a wink and a smile, while holding their hands as he lowers them into the escape tunnel. If that part is legitimately inspired by a true story, some more historical background in an afterward would help.
heisereads's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the illustrations and the idea behind this story dealing with a time/place not often seen in picture books, but the way the conflict was resolved in the end felt a little too easy to me, and it made me question how realistic it woukd really be.
joshua_shaw's review against another edition
3.0
The story is fine, but the art is where this book shines.