When the World Was Ours
Sale price
$1766
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2021 · Est. 7 hour read

When the World Was Ours

By Liz Kessler

Three friends torn apart by war seek hope and reunion.

4.5/5 Goodreads · 6,891 ratings
352 pages· 64,837 words· Est. 7 hour read
$18.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1936 Vienna, Leo, Elsa, and Max share a perfect day, unaware of the looming darkness of war. As Europe descends into chaos, their lives are shattered, scattering them across Germany, England, Prague, and Poland. Will they find their way back to each other, or has the war changed them forever? This poignant tale, inspired by true events, explores the enduring power of friendship and hope amidst the devastation of the Holocaust.

From the publisher

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Windsnap series, Liz Kessler, comes a “brutally honest and totally believable” (Booklist, starred review) story of three young friends whose fates are intertwined during the devastation of the Holocaust–based on a true story. Three friends. One memory. Vienna. 1936. Three young friends–Leo, Elsa, and Max–spend a perfect day together, unaware that around them Europe is descending into a growing darkness and that they will soon be cruelly ripped apart from one another. With their lives taking them across Europe–to Germany, England, Prague, and Poland–will they ever find their way back to one another? Will they want to? Inspired by a true story, When the World Was Ours is an extraordinary novel that is as powerful as it is heartbreaking and that shows how the bonds of love, family, and friendship allow glimmers of hope to flourish, even in the most hopeless of times.

Awards

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2022)
At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
352
Words
64,837
Reading age
10–13
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
HL630L
Themes & topics
Books about the HolocaustBooks about friendshipBooks about cultureBooks about social themesBooks about 1930's
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Liz Kessler

Explore Liz's bookshelf
Code Name Kingfisher
Sale price
$1899

Code Name Kingfisher

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A Year Without Autumn

Ages 9–12 · 2011
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

Philippa Fisher and the Fairy Godsister

Ages 8–12 · 2008
Sale price
$699

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Ages 8–12 · 2003
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Sweep

Ages 8–12 · 2018
The Night War
Sale price
$1799

The Night War

Ages 9–12 · 2024

Orange for the Sunsets

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Journey of the Pale Bear

Ages 8–12 · 2018
Sale price
$899

Murder Is Bad Manners

Ages 10–13 · 2014
Village of Scoundrels
Sale price
$1699

Village of Scoundrels

Ages 9–13 · 2020
Faceless
Sale price
$799

Faceless

Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Language of Spells

Ages 10–14 · 2018
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
4.4
F&P level
~O
AR points
9
AR interest level
MG+
AR quiz
513443
Publication
Published
May 18, 2021
First published
January 21, 2021
Publisher
Aladdin
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781534499652

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: Elaine R. · The Goodfather

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo