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jnishi's review against another edition
4.0
A fantastic book that explores a lot do the WWII narrative that hasn’t really been talked about in MG fiction. I like how Gidwitz dove into the antisemitism in British during WWII and within the ranks of the military and politicians. We’re so used to Britain being the hero of WWII narratives it was refreshing to see imperfections. I loved the spy thriller nature of this book and the hilarious fantasy creatures who sit on max’s shoulders. My 4th graders will love this and I look forward to the sequel!
jessicanock's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
pagesofpins's review against another edition
5.0
This would make a fantastic middle school read aloud. Gidwitz touches on many players and incidents of the World War 2 era, some that will hopefully be familiar to students (kindertransport, Kristallnacht, propaganda, Winston Churchill) and some that probably won't (bullying of Jewish refugees in Britain, the Montagu family, Ian Fleming, Charles Cholmondeley, fear of communism, The Blitz). There's also a great deal of world culture in here, including British customs and language and Jewish folklore and practices.
The kobold and dybbuk bring humor, and the spies bring action and intrigue.
There are some great opportunities for critical thinking and discussion. Max is repeatedly accused of being a Nazi or German enemy by British people who hate Jewish Londoners, preach racial superiority and don't grasp the irony. He also finds out that Britain has its own history of colonization/propaganda/war while claiming to be the good guys.
If I had known this was a duology, I might have held off. Now I have to wait, ugh.
The kobold and dybbuk bring humor, and the spies bring action and intrigue.
There are some great opportunities for critical thinking and discussion. Max is repeatedly accused of being a Nazi or German enemy by British people who hate Jewish Londoners, preach racial superiority and don't grasp the irony. He also finds out that Britain has its own history of colonization/propaganda/war while claiming to be the good guys.
If I had known this was a duology, I might have held off. Now I have to wait, ugh.
hckilgour's review against another edition
3.0
So I found it very interesting of how many grains of truth were included in this book. Of course it’s fictionalized, but it did give the story a level of credibility.
Max as a character is fun. He’s smart and witty and not afraid to use his brain. Yet he’s a kid and by no means is perfect.
The kobolds were an interesting touch as they added wit and comedic relief to the story. However I don’t think they really added much to the book or really had a purpose.
Going in I thought this was a standalone. I’m by no means upset it isn’t, but I’d did lead to come confusion while I was reading.
Max as a character is fun. He’s smart and witty and not afraid to use his brain. Yet he’s a kid and by no means is perfect.
The kobolds were an interesting touch as they added wit and comedic relief to the story. However I don’t think they really added much to the book or really had a purpose.
Going in I thought this was a standalone. I’m by no means upset it isn’t, but I’d did lead to come confusion while I was reading.
meredith_covington's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Fast paced and very interesting. Best for middle school or older readers. Very interesting facts about spies in WW2.
suegat's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sj_west's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ladyheroj's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
sharpiemyshoe's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
serinwalker's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0