I am a big fan of historical fiction. My enthusiasm is often not shared by the 7-13 year old age group. Max in the House of Spies just might sway them over to my side.
11-year-old Max Bretzfeld lives in Berlin with his parents during World War II. Germany is not a safe place if you are Jewish so Max is sent off to England to live with another family. Max wants nothing more than to return to life with his loving mom and dad. His only hope is to become a British spy.
The history of this horrific time period is brought forth in gripping fashion, There’s also a fantasy element as Max finds two lively spirits named Stein and Berg attached to his shoulders. They keep up a humorous dialog advising and irritating Max.
The family Max lives with has some strong ties to British intelligence and before you know it Max is in training and hopefully will return to Berlin as the youngest spy. The author does a wonderful job of covering the obvious: Why would responsible adults let a boy become a spy? The training takes more than a year and the ending has you anxious for the next book. Max’s tenacity and drive will for sure win the hearts of MG readers.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: FEB. 27, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 334
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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MAX in the HOUSE of SPIES by Adam Gidwitz
- Both the misdeeds of the Nazis and the British were brought forth. The impeccable research by the author made this a reality.
- Max’s intelligence and unique skills rise above any of the adults. His kid like thoughts and ingenious plans meld together flawlessly.
- Though certainly not needed, the inclusion of Stein and Berg kept the story lighthearted. Their constant banter reminded me of the old Smother’s Brother’s comedy duo.
- Forty-seven chapters that often end with a enticing line to make you read more. It succeeded doing that every time for me.
- The added “HOW MUCH OF THIS IS REAL?” in the back pages is must reading. It details the events and people that were true to the history. Also included is a bibliography worth looking into for more details about WWII.
About the Author
Adam Gidwitz is the author of the Newbery Honor winning THE INQUISITOR’S TALE, the best-seller A TALE DARK AND GRIMM and its companions, and the new series THE UNICORN RESCUE SOCIETY. He also has a forthcoming podcast from Pinna called GRIMM, GRIMMER, GRIMMEST. Adam taught in Brooklyn for eight years. Now, he writes full-time—which means he writes a couple of hours a day, and lies on the couch staring at the ceiling the rest of the time. As is the case with all of his books, everything in them not only happened in the real fairy tales . . . it also happened to him. Really. Learn more at www.adamgidwitz.com, on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter: @AdamGidwitz.
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Always in the Middle... 
I’m very intrigued about the convincing explanation for encouraging a boy spy! 🙂 War stories are always great to read, if difficult, and this sounds a good way to introduce children to some aspects of World War 2. Thanks for the recommendation!
This is a must read for me! My father (like lots of German Jewish kids) was also shipped off to England. Thanks for the great review.
What an intriguing way to introduce young people to WW II. It certainly captivated my attendtion — who wouldn’t want to be a spy. Like the humor in the book, too. May be one to try out on my 10+ great grandson. Thanks for sharing.
Ooooh. This sounds really good. I love historical fiction too. I’m not crazy about fantasy, but you make this fantasy element sound not too overwhelming. Thanks for the review. I’ll put this on my list.
I never read enough historical fiction, and I really enjoy it. The two spirits on his shoulders sound like they add some comedic relief– pretty clever! I’ll add this one to my reading list! It sounds too good to miss.
I love that Gidwitz deals with British as well as German misdeeds. Well done! It sounds like a good start to an intriguing series.