88 pages 2 hours read

Bette Greene

Summer of My German Soldier

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1973

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene, narrated by 12-year-old Patty Bergen, follows her life in Jenkinsville, Arkansas, during World War II, as she befriends an escaped German POW, Anton Reiker, while navigating her abusive home environment and societal prejudice as a Jewish girl. The story explores themes of friendship, identity, and resilience. The book addresses physical and emotional abuse, racism, and antisemitism.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Bette Greene's Summer of My German Soldier is praised for its poignant portrayal of complex themes such as friendship, prejudice, and identity through the eyes of a young girl. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, though some reviews note that certain character dynamics feel outdated. Overall, it's a compelling read with deep emotional impact.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Summer of My German Soldier?

A reader who enjoys historical fiction and coming-of-age stories will find Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene compelling. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry will appreciate its emotional depth and exploration of complex themes such as prejudice, forgiveness, and human connection.

RecommendedReading Age

12-16years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Romance

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Period

WWII / World War II

Holocaust

Themes

Identity: Race

Society: War

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Topics

Military / War

History: World