The Night War
The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, published by Penguin on April 9, 2024, is a middle grade novel set during World War II in France. This edition, comprising 288 pages, follows twelve-year-old Miriam, a Jewish girl who has narrowly escaped the Nazi occupation of her neighborhood. As she navigates her new life in a boarding school near the Chateau de Chenonceau, she grapples with the loss of her parents and the dangers of pretending to be Catholic. The story unfolds as Miri faces a critical decision that could lead her to freedom or further peril.
Readers will find a narrative that explores themes of courage, friendship, and the complexities of survival during a tumultuous period in history. The plot centers around Miri’s daring mission that spans the castle grounds and the bridge to freedom, highlighting her resilience and the choices she must make in the face of fear. This book delves into social themes relevant to family and self-reliance, offering a unique perspective on a lesser-known aspect of World War II. A map and a detailed author’s note are included, enriching the reader’s understanding of the historical context.
Official synopsis Publisher
From the two-time Newbery Honor-winning author of The War That Saved My Life and Fighting Words comes a middle grade novel set at the border between freedom and fear in World War II France, at the Chateau de Chenonceau, where a Jewish girl who has lost everything but her life must decide whether to risk even that to bring others to freedom.
“We don’t choose how we feel, but we choose how we act.”
It’s 1942. German Nazis occupy much of France. And twelve-year-old Miriam, who is Jewish, is not safe. With help and quick thinking, Miri is saved from the roundup that takes her entire Jewish neighborhood. She escapes Paris, landing in a small French village, where the spires of the famous Chateau de Chenonceau rise high into the sky, its bridge across the River Cher like a promise, a fairy tale.
But Miri’s life is no fairy tale. Her parents are gone—maybe alive, maybe not. Taken in at the boarding school near the chateau, pretending to be Catholic to escape Nazi capture, Miri volunteers one night to undertake a deadly task, one that spans the castle grounds, its bridge, and the very border to freedom. Here is her chance to escape—hopefully to find her parents. But will she take it? One thing is certain: The person Miri meets that night will save her life. And the person Miri becomes that night could save the lives of many more.
In her return to the era of The War that Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley brings a new and different story, one with a mystical twist, that explores a little-known slice of World War II history, a highly unusual friendship, and the power of choosing courage even when—especially when—there are no good choices to be had.
* Map and detailed author’s note included. *
“Compelling [with] a hint of magic [that] becomes as satisfying as the whole of this fine novel.” —Booklist
“Historical fiction at its finest. [A] masterpiece . . . Readers will be wholeheartedly rewarded.” —SLJ (starred review)
“Poignant . . . A gripping, humane tale.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“A thrilling plot [and] thought-provoking read.” —Common Sense Media (a Common Sense Selection)
“Fast-paced, suspenseful, and heart-wrenching. . . . Highly recommended.” —Historical Novel Society
“A deeply sympathetic character facing increasingly dangerous and suspenseful circumstances.” —PW
“Engaging [and] imaginative [with] emotional weight and contemporary appeal.” —The Horn Book
“A must-read.” —YA and Kids Books Central
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