Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is gifted at writing WWII historical fiction for middle graders. I love suggesting The War That Saved my Life and The War I finally Won to our middle school students. The Night War is another good entry, however, the Holocaust is a highly sensitive and shattering time of genocide in the history of the Jewish people. I would have liked an author’s note, at least, explaining the author’s research and collaboration with people whose families survived the Holocaust. Perhaps that will be part of the final version.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC! I have loved several of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s books. This one was no exception! It was a great perspective told through the eyes of an science-ridden Jewish girl whose family moved to Paris to live in the Platz after their house was burned to the ground during Kristallnacht. Eventually the Jewish living in the Platz get rounded up and sent away by the Nazis. The main character manages to escape without knowing what has happened to her parents. Her neighbor turns her toddler, Nora, over to Miri and convinces Miri to try to escape with Nora to safety during all of the confusion. From there the story turns to how the girls got away, who helped them, and who hindered them. Towards the end of the story, around chapter 43 or so, there is a twist I did not particularly like. I see it did serve a purpose and helped move the story along, but I still did not like it. I did love the theme of “we don’t choose how we feel, but we can choose how we act” and the power of courage when there are no “good” choices. The main character became empowered through her actions of being able to help others and realizing that by showing courage even she could make a difference in such an awful and chaotic time in history.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book., The War That Saved My Life was one of my favorite books so this is difficult act to follow. I think the story was very well researched. The story was emotional and paced very well. There were many twists. I think this is a book that will open up many conversations about the Holocaust and the role of the French government in the deportation of Jews to the death camps. I love how Miriam was able to stand up and take an active role in helping to save others.

The Night War is a powerful World War II story. Miri is so brave in light of such awful circumstances. It is always fascinating to get a glimpse of history that isn't well known. This powerful story will stick with you long after you put the book down!

This was an ok Holocaust book. It's not Bradley's best work and there are certainly better options out there. The story here relates the incident of the roundup of thousands of Jews to the Velodrome d'Hiver in Paris, and their deportation to concentration camps during World War 2.

Well, not exactly. Miri is part of the roundup but she never makes it to the Vel d'Hiv with the other Jews. In one act of bravery, she flees with her neighbor's infant daughter. She is rescued by a nun as she is being interrogated, and subsequently hidden in the convent while Jews are held in the Vel d'Hiv with no food or water, much like the Superdome disaster after Hurricane Katrina. Miri knows none of this, because that's a different book. This book is about Miri eventually ending up at a Catholic boarding school near the Vichy border, the non occupied part of France during the war.

I wasn't thrilled with the story from here on out. Miri hides her true identity, taking on the identity of a nonreligious orphan learning the ways of Catholicism. Separated from baby Nora, she plans to find her and escape through a castle which lies on the Vichy border. But first, she is tapped by one of the nuns to assist other Jews in the castle's secret underground escape route. It's all ok storytelling up to this point, but then takes a turn into Hokey land. Bradley decides to incorporate the confusing story of Catherine de Medici, a French queen who lived in the castle in the 1500s. You might be wondering how that's possible if the story takes place during the 1900s. That's a good question and the very reason why I downgraded this book from 3 stars to 2. This piece of the story seriously detracted from much more interesting things going on around Miri. Even though Medici was involved in her own religious persecution event, the connection is weak, and not effective in my opinion.

This was not the book I wanted it to be. I don't know of a children's book that centers on the Vel d'Hiv incident. This could have been the book and Bradley could have been the author. She's talented enough. But she sidestepped into something far less interesting. Major disappointment.

As any book about the Holocaust it deals with heavy material.
Miri is a very brave and courageous character who I admired for her strength through everything that happens.
This is written well for middle grade, but it is hard to read at times.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Twelve-year-old Miriam Schrieber has finally settled into her new home in Paris after having to leave Berlin behind. As a Jewish family, Miriam and her parents were no longer safe in the land of her birth, so they ventured to France to seek refuge. But in the summer of 1942, Jewish people are being rounded up and sent away to unknown destinations; and though it is not initially clear what is happening, it is obviously not good. Somehow, Miriam manages to escape with her neighbor’s daughter Nora, and the two are sheltered somewhere in the countryside, far from Paris. One after the next, experiences challenge Miriam to the fullest extent, forcing her to discover how brave she truly is.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction based in World War II will appreciate the delivery and unique design of this middle grade novel. Told from Miriam’s perspective, the narrative draws readers into her experiences from the very beginning, and many of these moments are confusing and frightening. As Miriam makes her way through her story, she often feels as though her failures have caused those she loves to suffer, and readers sympathize with her struggles. But with time, Miriam begins to recognize her strength and tenacity, and these two important traits help to guide Miriam through the darkest moments of war.

While this novel is written for a middle grade audience in its structure and delivery, the concepts within it are weighty. Young readers will be able to view some of the atrocities of the recent past through the eyes of someone their own age, which is particularly compelling. Intriguing characters and complex emotions make the story palpable for readers of all ages, and the narrative is one that will encourage readers to continue. Readers who enjoy the other works by this author will find this one to be similar in style, and any reader who appreciates heartfelt, relatable historical fiction will appreciate this novel, as well. This is a notable addition to library collections for middle grade readers.

The Night War

By: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Publish Date: 9 April 2024

Publisher: Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group/ Dial Books

Children’s Fiction

#TheNightWar#NetGalley

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and Penguin for allowing me to read and review this book.

Book Review:

I loved this book and gave it 5 stars. This is about the Second World War from the perspective of a child. It is awful of happened during this war towards the Jewish people.

Mira is a 12-year-old girl who is Jewish. She has moved from Germany to France to avoid the Nazi’s with her family. This works for a while but soon they are there in France. One day the French police with the help of the Germans round up all the Jews including the elderly and the young children. They are bussed to a stadium to stay for who knows how long. Mira can’t find her parents, but she is able to find their next-door neighbor is with her during this time. Just before they get off the bus the neighbor tells Mira to take her daughter and slip away. Mira is scared but the neighbor is positive that Mira can do this and is strong enough to go to Switzerland where the neighbor has a cousin who will help them. Mira is able to accomplish with the help of a nun when she is questioned why she is close to the bus. This nun also helps hide her and sends her on to another convent which is out in the country. Mira has changed her name and has learned to do things that she never thought she could. She has made friends and has learned who to trust and who not to trust. You will have to read the book to find out if she makes it Switzerland.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.

A fan of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, I've been looking forward to reading this latest release. I absolutely loved this book... until I didn't. I was so invested in the beginning. I loved Miri, and her strength in impossible situations. I was impressed by her courage and bravery, but then, the supernatural twist.... Unfortunately, I just wasn't buying it. It was an interesting way to work in real history, but Miri was so strong - she didn't need help of a ghost. Unfortunately, I just couldn't love the end the way I loved the beginning.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisherfor this advanced reader copy. I loved Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's earlier books set in London during World War II and this one set in France did not disappoint either. The story follows Miri (who then has her name changed to Marie to sound less Jewish) and her journey out of France. The responsibilities she had to take on as a young girl are immense and yet she is able to do it. My heart aches for all people that had to go through such trying times.

The Night War is a new middle grade story that centers around WWII. Miri is a young Jewish girl who gets separated from her family and has to live in a Catholic boarding school in order to survive.

This was a good book! It handled a lot of hard topics since it is about the holocaust and the war. I think the characters were great and easy to root for. You feel the characters heartache and sadness throughout the story. There is some hope woven through as well.

There were a few aspects that didn’t quite work for me but I don’t want to spoil anything. I feel like the ending was a bit rushed as well.

I think this is an important topic for children to learn about and it was handled well in this book. Thanks so much ti netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another great historical fiction masterpiece from Kimberly Brubaker Bradley! The Night War is a great adventure that captures the lengths Jewish parents would go to in order to make sure that their children were safe from the Nazis. Miriam's journey to a safe hiding place leads her to help and assist others in need. Her courage and bravery are an example of the amazing things that kind people accomplished during WWII. Those who loved The War that Saved my Life will enjoy reading this beautiful book.

Bradley is such a fantastic writer, and I will read anything she writes. She is the one middle grade author who, for me, is consistently enjoyable as an adult. That being said, I didn't love this WWII novel quite as much as I loved The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won, and that's entirely due to a supernatural/fantastical element Bradley introduced that didn't quite work for me (and also an epilogue that was a little too pat for this period in history). Miri and her family are living in a Jewish neighborhood in Paris in 1942 after being forced to flee their home in Berlin. When all of her neighbors are rounded up for an unknown but ominous fate, Miri manages to escape with Nora, a toddler neighbor, thanks to quick thinking, bravery, and some help from others. Miri and the baby eventually end up in a village where the castle Chenonceau straddles the river between occupied France and Vichy France. Miri is a wonderful character, brave and resourceful, and I also enjoyed the other characters in this novel. I'm still hopeful that Bradley will give us a third installment in Ada's life the next time she revisits this time in history! Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Dial Books for a digital review copy.

I first read Kimberly Brubaker Bradley when my daughters were middle grade readers.  I have read her entire body of work, and THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE remains top five historical fiction for me.  It’s an incredible read for all ages.  She writes for a middle grade audience with exceptional depth and candor while maintaining the sensitivity and responsibility required for this age group.   
 
Her latest is no different.  She tackles a difficult topic and executes it with grace and imparts a sense of courage and bravery to her readers. 
 
Consider this meaningful quote: “We don't choose how we feel, but we choose how we act. Choose courage.” Simple words that pack a wallop of a punch. 
 
I will say there is a certain subplot that seemed a little odd to me, but let’s acknowledge that I am a 54-year-old woman and not the middle grader the book is written for.  🤷🏻‍♀️
 
I paired the print version with the audio version and found the narration by Gilli Messer @gillsgonewild to be very well done. 
 
All in all, I can confidently recommend this for all ages – but if you have a middle grade reader, this book and the author’s entire backlist are definite musts!
 
🌿Read if you like:
✨Middle grade fiction
✨Historical fiction
✨World War II era
✨French setting
✨Strong female main characters

I so enjoy this author’s writing style. This story is both horrifying and amazing - I’m drawn to this era because of the stories of courage and resilience we encounter. We must learn from such stories. It’s why history is so important.

This story centres on a Jewish girl living in France when her community is rounded up by French gendarmes. She is separated from her family and tasked with caring for her very young neighbour. A timid child with anxiety, she must choose courage. I don’t want to give away too much, but the elements of magical realism add a nice touch.

The writing is excellent, with the exception of the ending, which happened all too quickly and seemed rushed.

I would recommend this story to children aged 12+. Thanks to NetGalley, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and Penguin Group for the advance reading copy.

A moving portrait of young Jews trying to survive the German occupation of France. Heartfelt and at times heartbreaking.

The Night War is a story about a young, Jewish girl in France during WWII. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley handled an incredibly difficult topic very well. She didn’t shy away from how horrific the Holocaust was, but she told this story in a way that middle grade readers could handle it. I really cared about Miri and her friends and rooted for them the whole way.. There were quite a few suspenseful moments in the story which helped move it along and kept my attention.. There was a twist in the story that I guessed, but I still loved it. I am going to be thinking about this book for a long time.

5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the eARC of this book.

When 12-year-old Miriam escapes the 1942 roundup of Jews in Paris, she is tasked with keeping her infant neighbor, Nora, safe. Posing as sisters, the two are secretly sent by a kindly nun to a town near the Vichy border. When Nora and Miriam (now known as Marie) are separated, Marie vows to find Nora and escape with her to Switzerland. Complications arise, and Marie finds herself part of a network that helps Jews escape occupied France. Drawing on her faith and lessons learned from her parents, whom Marie now fears are dead, brave deeds and tough choices become part of life. With the help of an unusual friend, Will Marie be able to keep Nora safe as they look for a way out of France? Find out in this gripping tale of heroism by an acclaimed author.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (The War That Saved My Life, Fighting Words & more) doesn’t waste any time grabbing readers’ attention in this WWII historical fiction centered on Miri/Marie, her escape from a round up of Jews in Paris, her involvement in the rescue of Jews fleeing France, and her efforts to reunite with her family. The plot moves rapidly and while nearly all of the characters are fictional, the racism of the Nazis and the efforts of many to protect the persecuted is not and Bradley does a great job of balancing the fact with the fiction. The violence perpetrated against the Jewish people and those who resisted Hitler is not described in vivid detail but back matter does detail many of the deaths during this time period. Using the Chenonceau castle and inserting the long dead Catherine de Medici into the story line is an intriguing twist that will not be ruined in this review but her presence allows themes of redemption and forgiveness to be included as well as gives a second historical example of how deep seated prejudice can and has led to horrific actions. Librarians, teachers and parents who purchase this book should encourage readers to read back matter/commentary after Miri’s epilogue, perhaps even read and discuss it with their students and children. A must-have for libraries of any size or location with readership in historical fiction and actual wartime history, especially that of World War II. Target age group is likely grades 4-7. Text is free of profanity and sexual content and the violence is appropriate for the subject and target age group.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Night War. It was well researched as evidenced by the author’s notes at the end of the book. Miri is a strong and fierce character. Her time in the Catholic boarding school added so much intrigue to the story as well as the characters living at the castle! The two other girls living at the boarding school over the summer, Jacqueline and Beatrice, were well rounded characters as well. Clear themes emerge without being heavy , especially with children who speak what is learned from their parents. I look forward to sharing this title with students.