Summer of My German Soldier

Written by Bette Greene

Book #1 in the Summer of My German Soldier series

A young girl befriends a German escapee, risking everything during WWII.

3.7 Goodreads · 18,019 ratings

230 pages· 56,781 words· Est. 5.5 hour read· 800L

$7.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

In a small Arkansas town during WWII, 12-year-old Patty Bergen befriends Anton, a German escapee. Despite her Jewish background, she sees him as a kindred spirit, not an enemy. As their bond deepens, Patty faces the ultimate test of loyalty, risking family, friends, and freedom for the connection that changes her life. Will she choose her heart over her heritage?

From the publisher

An emotional, thought-provoking book from multi-award-winning author Bette Greene. When her small hometown in Arkansas becomes the site of a camp housing German prisoners during World War II, 12-year-old Patty Bergen learns what it means to open her heart. Although she’s Jewish, she begins to see a prison escapee, Anton, not as a Nazi–but as a lonely, frightened young man with feelings not unlike her own, who understands and appreciates her in a way her parents never will. And Patty is willing to risk losing family, friends–even her freedom–for what has quickly become the most important part of her life. Thoughtful, moving, and hard-hitting, Summer of My German Soldier has become a modern classic. “An exceptionally fine novel.” –The New York Times “Courageous and compelling!” –Publishers Weekly A National Book Award FinalistAn ALA Notable BookA New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year