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    Jenni L. Walsh’s I Am Defiance is thoughtful look at WWII

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    By Jessica on February 18, 2021 ages 8-12, Middle Grade
    I am DefianceI AM DEFIANCE: A NOVEL OF WWII, by Jenni L. Walsh, Scholastic Press, Feb. 2, 2021, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)

    Jenni L. Walsh transports readers to World War II Germany in I Am Defiance.

    Brigitte tries not to ask questions. They don’t seem very welcome at her League of German Girls meetings, where she and her friends learn about their duties to Hitler’s war effort.

    But she can’t help asking questions when a mysterious pamphlet appears in her mailbox: a pamphlet full of words like resistance and freedom, from a group that calls itself the White Rose. Brigitte’s father and older sister, Angelika, seem to agree with the forbidden papers — an opinion that is dangerous even to whisper at home. And when Angelika becomes involved with secret resistance efforts, Brigitte’s questions only bloom.

    Could Angelika be connected to the White Rose? Is Brigitte’s family in danger of being arrested? And if she chooses a side, will Brigitte be able to take a stand? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

    It’s easy to look back on moments in history and pinpoint where something began, but it’s harder to see when you’re in the middle of one of those moments. In I Am Defiance, Jenni L. Walsh takes you to a place where the answers aren’t as clear cut as we’d like to believe.

    Brigitte doesn’t remember life before Hitler. Her father and sister do but are stuck in a world of hide-and-seek: Do what you’re told whether you agree with it or not, or suffer the consequences. If the choice is standing up to a dictator — and putting your entire family at risk — or quietly go along with things and keeping them safe, what do you choose?

    Brigitte is at the age where questioning things is normal. When she reads the pamphlet, it’s hard not to be curious. It’s her curiosity, bravery and love of family that make her a strong protagonist. Her search for what is “right” will ring true with readers.

    I Am Defiance is a thoughtful read that will lead to further discussion. It’s fast moving and compelling throughout.

     

    © 2021, Cracking the Cover. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided for free by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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    Jessica Harrison is the main reviewer behind Cracking the Cover. Prior to creating Cracking the Cover, Jessica worked as the in-house book critic for the Deseret News, a daily newspaper in Salt Lake City. Jessica also worked as a copy editor and general features writer for the paper. Following that, Jessica spent two years with an international company as a social media specialist. She is currently a freelance writer/editor. She is passionate about reading and giving people the tools to make informed decisions in their own book choices.

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