A Storm Unleashed

About this book

After losing her mother as a young girl, twelve-year-old Mia is living in Berlin with her veterinarian father and beloved German shepherd, Max. Mia tries to focus on her hobbies, her studies and her trips to her grandparents’ farm where she cares for the animals she loves. But it’s 1935, and life has changed radically for Mia and her Jewish father over the last two years.

Antisemitism is now official state policy. At school, Mia is vilified and treated cruelly by her teachers and fellow students. Outside of school, she witnesses violence against her friends and family. And then suddenly a girl from the Nazi Youth tries to take Max. From that moment on, life becomes more and more dangerous for Mia and her father — who is now being forced to help the Nazis train Hitler’s army of dogs.

Mia and her best friend, Frieda, must come up with a plan to navigate this new reality. But could it cost Mia more than she realizes?

Reviews

Praise for A Storm Unleashed:

“Gripping, revealing, heart-pounding and hopeful, this meticulously researched novel breaks new ground and is an outstanding addition to Holocaust literature. This masterfully written novel should be utilized in classrooms everywhere.” — Liza Wiemer, Sydney Taylor Notable Book Award-winning author of The Assignment

Praise for Carol Matas:

“This story holds you not only with the authentic account of the Jewish girl hiding in disguise right in the jaws of the enemy, but also with the intimate view of the Nazi home.” (In My Enemy’s House) — Booklist

“Gripping . . . although this is fiction, it has the immediacy and impact of a true story. Marisa's ordeal is compelling, moving — and deeply disturbing.” (In My Enemy’s House) — School Library Journal

*“Intelligently written and emotionally powerful.” (Greater Than Angels) — Quill & Quire, starred review