Aug 24 2008
Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz
This book is a California Young Reader Medal nominee for 2008-2009. I read this quite a while ago and I can’t believe I never posted a review. So I will be doing this from memory (please excuse me if I get any details wrong).
Daniel and Armin, though from different social classes, are the best of friends. They are excited about the rise of the National Socialist party and its leader, Adolph Hitler. Just as Daniel is ready to become an official member of the Nazi Party his parents tell him he can’t because he is half Jewish, therefore half human. Daniel must keep the family secret or risk dire consequences. As the Nazis consolidate their power and begin the “Final Solution” life becomes increasingly dangerous for Daniel and his parents. Can they survive in their native Germany? Will they have to leave? Or is it already too late?
Chotjewitz puts the reader in the midst of horrifying but true historical events in which the characters must choose between friendship and patriotism, loyalty and justice. He ends the novel with a shocking twist that will leave you stunned.
By Mr. Doyle
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