Threat of the Spider (The Web of the Spider 2) by Michael P. Spradlin

What worked:

The previous book featured Rolf, while his loud-mouthed friend Ansel is the main character this time. The Hitler Youth group is gaining popularity, but Ansel has no problem taunting and antagonizing them. Many of his comments are directed at Hans, a local leader of the youth group. However, Hans is backed by adult Nazi groups that send SA thugs to help stifle any protesters, Jews, or people who might speak against the Nazis. Ansel’s father is a reporter who makes it his mission to contradict Nazi propaganda with facts, questions, and information. Despite Ansel’s jeers and provocative nature, he has a strong sense of fairness and despises cheaters. He can’t hold his tongue when he sees kind, innocent people being threatened.

The book shares a historical view of Germany when Hitler and the Nazi Party are rising to power. Many Americans wonder how Hitler was able to take control of Germany and lead it into World War II, and this book attempts to describe the culture at that time. Hitler identifies Jews as the cause of the country’s problems and unites many citizens to take action against them. Neighbors might attack neighbors in the dead of the night, while Nazi thugs intimidate others during the daytime. Many opponents remain quiet and frightened to avoid having violence directed at them. The Nazis try to control news and information, because it’s a key strategy in controlling the thinking of others. This book shows the fallacy when people say, “It can’t happen here.”

Ansel’s Unassailable Facts of Life add levity to the book’s serious tone. According to him, one of these statements “cannot be argued with or its truth denied.” Ansel comes up with these ideas to explain different situations, but they usually leave the characters scratching their heads. For example, in describing Herr Himmler’s upcoming speech, Unassailable Fact of Life Number Forty-Four says, “No matter how bright the sun, the mother cat still has her kittens under the porch.” When asked about cheating in a game of Capture the Flag, Ansel’s Unassailable Fact of Life Number Twelve says, “When the wolf approaches, the cheese will still smell bad after three days.” You’re probably trying to figure out what this means, but just appreciate that it contributes confusing humor to serious situations.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative doesn’t have the feel of a typical middle-grade novel. The subject of Naziism’s rise to power is at the forefront throughout the book, so it’s probably more appropriate for more mature readers. The informational element of this historical fiction may detract from the entertainment element of the story.

The final verdict:

While this is the second book in the series, it can be read independently of the first one. It shares the unrest, uncertainty, and desperation of German citizens as they try to recover from losing World War II. The book describes how the Nazis take advantage of the conditions and Hitler’s rise to power. I recommend you give the book a shot.