This was a really lovely children's book.

I liked the characters and the writing and the story development. It was awfully dark for a children's book, but so well done and really touching. I loved the way Bartoletti wove memories into Helmuth's present in prison. It was beautifully done.

Something I struggle with when it comes to all books like this is that I'm finding I'd prefer to just read the real story, instead of the fictionalized account. If it's straight fiction I'm totally fine, but if it's based on a true story I find myself wishing I was reading a nonfiction book about what really happened. Which luckily Bartoletti mentioned a few at the end, so I'll be looking for those. She was also able to interview several people very involved in the events, so I feel like this novel was pretty close what happened, as much as it could be.

Highly recommend to anyone who likes middle grade about historical events. It's well worth the read.