What This Book Is About
Germany, 1944. Twelve-year-old Jewish boy Max hides in the attic of a German family, evading the Gestapo. The family sheltering him appears to be ordinary German citizens but are secretly members of the underground resistance—their house is a covert spy headquarters. Through cracks in the attic floor, Max observes everything happening below, gradually understanding that the war's reality is far more complex and brutal than he imagined.
When danger closes in, Max must summon the courage to make a decision that could change everyone's fate. From Newbery-winning author Adam Gidwitz, based on true historical events—both a thrilling spy story and a profound meditation on courage, justice, and humanity.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For B1-level students (G6-G8), this book is an excellent choice for three reasons.
First, WWII and Holocaust themes are core components of international school history curricula—this book provides age-appropriate engagement with these difficult but essential topics. Students who read it will bring deeper understanding to classroom discussions about conflict, persecution, and moral courage.
Second, the spy and thriller format keeps reluctant readers hooked while delivering serious historical content. Many students who struggle with traditional historical fiction find this book unputdownable because the tension never lets up—every chapter ends with a reason to keep going.
Third, at Lexile ~780L, it offers solid B1-level reading with enough complexity to develop inference and critical analysis skills. Gidwitz trusts readers to connect dots between what Max observes and what it means—building exactly the kind of reading-between-the-lines skills that IB English demands.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A2. Start with The Night Raven or El Deafo for a gentler entry into historical fiction.
Perfect difficulty. Challenging enough to grow, accessible enough to enjoy.
Comfortable read at B2. Consider The Radium Girls or Legend for a greater challenge.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free 30-minute English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.