Max in the Land of Lies: A Tale of World War II (Operation Kinderspion) by Adam Gidwitz

What worked:

The first chapter offers a surprise as Max gets help and advice from two creatures, one sitting on each shoulder. No one else can see Stein, a Yiddish-speaking dybbuk, and Berg, a German-accented kobold; these characters add humor and novelty to the story. They often question Max’s decisions especially when he makes decisions that may endanger him. These characters have been alive since before there were countries or civilized humans. They provide historical context for Max and readers as they verify or debunk information shared by the Germans. Stein and Berg are stuck to Max and supply him with moral support until he no longer needs it.

The book includes facts about Germany during WW II; some may not be familiar to young readers. They will undoubtedly have heard of Hitler but this story takes place on the streets among everyday German citizens. These people aren’t universally behind the Fuhrer but it’s dangerous for them to speak against their leader. Citizens are on the lookout for traitors so individuals don’t know who might turn them in for something overheard. The story sheds light on how Hitler could take over the country with German citizens angry and struggling after the international community’s WW I sanctions. The book’s last few pages provide factual information about several characters and their roles in WW II. There’s also a section about the horrifying concentration camps.

Max progresses through his mission much faster than expected so the story has a good pace. The early parts of the book share life among the citizens living on the streets of Berlin while the later chapters find Max interacting with various military figures. Meeting German soldiers creates inherent suspense since Max could be executed at any moment for being a Jewish spy. Max (and especially Stein and Berg) is paranoid when meeting military officers since he’s never sure how much information they have on him. Max is alarmed when Hitler’s chief intelligence officer asks Max to confirm details he’s collected about rumors of a young spy entering Germany. Max survives his first encounter but readers will anticipate the inevitable moment when their paths cross again.

What didn’t work as well:

Max frequently takes risks that might reveal himself as a spy. Stein and Berg try to warn him but Max continues to say and do things that could put him in danger. There are times when these risks make sense but he’s rarely careful. The German officers always react in his favor so it feels like Max is unusually lucky. However, the positive outcomes provide insight into the minds of German citizens and help the plot move along.

The final verdict:

The author does a masterful job of sharing Max’s adventure as a spy, navigating Nazi Germany like a small fish in a pool of sharks. A big takeaway from the book is how it enlightens readers about the thoughts and feelings of German people while Hitler rules. It’s a thought-provoking story and I recommend you give it a shot.