My Brother's Secret

About this book

Karl Friedman is only twelve, but like all boys his age in Germany, he's already playing war games, training to join the Hitler Youth. Stefan, Karl's nonconformist older brother, wants nothing to do with it. Then their father is killed, and what had been a game suddenly becomes deadly serious. Karl's faith in the Fuhrer is shaken: Is Hitler a national hero--or a villain? What is the meaning of the flower symbol stitched inside Stefan's jacket, and what is the mission of the shadow group he belongs to? Karl soon finds out as he joins his brother in a dangerous rebellion against the burgeoning threat of Nazism.

Reviews

Praise for My Brother's Secret:

"[P]atriotism, courage, and compassion are presented through believable characters, gripping suspense, and an unflinching look at the lengths some will go to in order to retain control. A heartfelt look at coming of age in a time of war." --Kirkus Reviews

"An exciting novel with compelling characters for those interested in historical fiction and Nazi Germany." --School Library Journal

"It is breathtaking to see Smith open with a character who so clearly and yet innocently goes against the values of most readers, and the author handles Karl's growing realization of the truth beautifully. [T]his is clever, gripping storytelling--and the plot up to the climax is incredibly compelling[.]" --VOYA