Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene: I found this book on a paperback spinner in my school library (back when schools had libraries) when I was 12 or so. I make sure to always judge a book by its cover and had this been the cover, I’m quite certain I never would have read it. Fortunately, this book isn’t as much a tale of romance as it is a complicated friendship between an unlikely pair. Set in Arkansas during World War II, Greene’s book draws from her own experience growing up the only Jewish family in a small town. A group of Nazi soldiers are brought as prisoners of war to a camp in rural Arkansas. Patty, the lonely daughter of a Jewish shop-owner is more curious and fearful about their arrival than hostile. When the prisoners are brought into her father’s shop, Patty’s oppressive isolation leads her into a fast friendship with the young Anton. Greene’s prose is authentic and pure, the setting completely believable and the relationships are compelling.
– Guest post by Sandra
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* YA Today note: Like Sweet Valley High, Summer of My German Soldier has received a new face lift to appeal to modern audiences. Here is its new cover, which I think I like better…
