Pennies for Hitler

Gr 6 Up—This poignant, thoughtful story of a confused young German boy at the beginning of World War II has plenty of action and suspense. Listeners meet Georg on a day that starts with pride. At school, his head is measurement and named the "most Aryan." The day ends, though, with a pro-Nazi uprising that shatters his world. Georg must flee Germany alone in order to survive. He stays with his aunt in London, who is hiding and afraid to speak with the hated German accent. When war threatens again, he moves to peaceful, far-off Australia. His journeys bring him hatred, fear, and loneliness, as well as kindness, warmth, and the compassion that finally lets him own who he really is. Humphrey Bower's narration fits the story's contemplative nature. His voice varies perfectly with every well-written and easily visualized character. A companion piece to French's Hitler's Daughter, Pennies for Hitler provides a window into the innocence, tumult, and pain of another victim of the era's fear, bigotry, and hate.—Jane Newschwander, Fluvanna County Public Schools, VA