Summer of My German Soldier

Summer of my German Soldier by Bette Greene tells the story of a Patti, a tortured and abused Jewish girl during World War II who houses and falls for a Nazi Soldier who escaped from a POW camp in their small southern town.  The story begins with a letter from the author telling the reader that after keeping things quiet for years to save her family she now admits that the story is based off her life.  Patti is a girl who just doesn't fit in, she's the only Jewish girl in a small town living with two abusive parents and her only friend is Ruth her maid/nanny.  When a group of POW's come into town Patti is intrigued.  She is able to talk to Anton when he comes to her fathers store and develops a secret crush.  When she finds him after he escapes she houses him in the room above her garage and protects him.

This is an interesting book however it is difficult to read and I feel there are better books for kids to read to get an understanding of the time period.  I don't think Patti's story is one that most kids can relate to and her racist attitudes are difficult for modern readers to comprehend.  However it is a very good and well written book that will interest readers who enjoy stories of people in difficult situations.  It's less of a World War II story and more of a story of an abused girl who makes terrible decisions because of her abuse.  Patti's abuse is difficult to read and she makes terrible choices, falling for the wrong person because he's the only one to show her any kindness. 

Appropriateness:  This is a type of book that when read by teens really needs an adult to help guide them and explain the characters motivations.  There is also a bit of language and difficult racial attitudes that will need to be put into context by an adult.  I would recommend this book to teens 13+