The Boy at the Top of the Mountain (by John Boyne)

Publication Date: June 2016
      

SYNOPSIS: When Pierrot becomes an orphan, he must leave his home in Paris for a new life with his Aunt Beatrix, a servant in a wealthy household at the top of the German mountains. But this is no ordinary time, for it is 1935 and the Second World War is fast approaching; and this is no ordinary house, for this is the Berghof, the home of Adolf Hitler.

THOUGHTS: This book is one of the best books I have read in ages. The harsh realities of Nazi Germany during (and before) World War 2 are told through the experiences of a rather unlikable and naive French boy who, under the wing of Hitler himself, becomes a Hitler Youth. John Boyne took a chance telling this story from the perspective of a boy who turns remarkably unlikable but it paid off. Here's the reason, I think: given the circumstances and considering that he is an impressionable young boy, I'm not so sure that many of us wouldn't have made similar decisions to Pierrot/Pieter in a similar situation. The story is intense and sad, but has an awesome final line which ends the story with a totally different description: hopeful. Definitely more for middle school-age and up. The writing is accessible enough, but the content is mature, including an attempted rape (not detailed at all). This story would best be appreciated by adults and mature middle school+ history fans who have previous knowledge of Hitler and his actions.

CARTWHEEL AWARD NOMINEE?: This book would be way above a lot of my committee members' heads, content-wise. I might recommend it to some of my older kids on the side. If I was a middle school teacher, though, I would be jumping on this book. Like legit jumping. Unless it was a library book, of course, in which case I would treat it nicely.