88 pages • 2 hours read
Summer of My German Soldier
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Jenkinsville, Arkansas • 1940s
1973
YA
12-16 years
Super Short Summary
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene, narrated by 12-year-old Patty Bergen, follows her life in Jenkinsville, Arkansas, during World War II, as she befriends an escaped German POW, Anton Reiker, while navigating her abusive home environment and societal prejudice as a Jewish girl. The story explores themes of friendship, identity, and resilience. The book addresses physical and emotional abuse, racism, and antisemitism.
Melancholic
Emotional
Challenging
Bittersweet
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
17,522 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Bette Greene's Summer of My German Soldier is praised for its poignant portrayal of complex themes such as friendship, prejudice, and identity through the eyes of a young girl. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, though some reviews note that certain character dynamics feel outdated. Overall, it's a compelling read with deep emotional impact.
Who Should Read Summer of My German Soldier?
A reader who enjoys historical fiction and coming-of-age stories will find Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene compelling. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry will appreciate its emotional depth and exploration of complex themes such as prejudice, forgiveness, and human connection.
17,522 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Novel • Fiction
Jenkinsville, Arkansas • 1940s
1973
YA
12-16 years
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