Lidia is a 12-year-old living in Poland at the start of WWII. Her whole world is upended when Germany invades. As her family is torn apart, she wants to help defend her country but is too young. Joining the Warsaw resistance proves to be her way of fighting back against Hitler and the German soldiers who are destroying her homeland and killing everyone around her. Daily, she risks her life to aid the resistance. This book is very informative and engaging. While reading the author's note, I was shocked to learn that Lidia Zakrzewski was a real person - incredible! Uprising would make a great addition to any library serving middle-grade readers.

Thank you to Scholastic Press and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

Uprising is a beautifully-written book about a horrific period in history. Coincidentally, I started reading this one right as we began our WW2 unit. I'm sure my kids will learn a lot as they work their way through the experiences of Lidia's life.

Jennifer A. Nielson is gifted when it comes to historical fiction. So many of the stories captivated me! My only struggle was the pacing as years passed -- it was hard for me to "see" time passing as Lidia grew up. I greatly appreciated the photos and updates about the real Lidia at the end of the book -- it definitely added great perspective about what the people of Poland had to endure.

Very well-written historical fiction title based on a true story. I will read anything based in WW2, especially if it’s set around one of the lesser-focused aspects of the war. This hit the mark all around, with a setting in Warsaw, Poland and a focus on the Polish uprising. Lidia’s story is compelling and I found myself picking it up again and again to “just read one more chapter”. This title will be finding a home on my personal bookshelf for my children to read in addition to being recommended for our school library.

Uprising is a work of historical fiction based on the life of Lidia Durr, born in Poland on June 12, 1924. She is just a young girl when she joins the resistance against the WW2 German occupation in Warsaw, Poland. Lidia and her family are visiting her grandparents in the countryside, when Germany drops the first bombs, They quickly return to their home in Warsaw taking refuge in their cellar, hoping to wait out the bombings. Little did they know, the bloody battle would go on for six years! Her father joins the Polish Army, leaving Lidia, her mother, brother, and beloved Jewish housekeeper to survive as best they can in the increasingly hostile environment of the Nazi occupation. Forced out of their home, they shelter in the housekeeper's apartment in a less desirable area of Warsaw. 



The wall of the Warsaw ghetto springs up right outside of Lidia’s apartment window. Even though it is severely forbidden, Lydia lifts the window covering and can view the horrors being inflicted upon the Jews. She witnesses the brave, yet failed Jewish uprising that occurs inside the ghetto. Brave Lidia does the only thing she knows, she joins the network of Polish resistance fighters as a messenger. She excels beyond anyone's expectations, foiling the Nazis again and again, carrying literature, grenades and ammo right under their noses. You, reader will hold your breath at her daring moves.

She also participates in the Warsaw uprising in the summer and fall of 1944, moving through the unbearable sewers and blowing up tanks. Her story based on actual events and you will wonder how she survived it all. I was spell bound reading this young girl’s brave account, risking her life to help others.

There is a lot, almost too much WW2 information packed within these 384 pages. There are many books written for middle grade readers on The Holocaust. I particularly like Uprising because it’s based on the life of a girl who’s experienced the horrors first hand.

A good solid choice for this genre.

I enjoyed reading Uprising, by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Reading the story of the beginning of World War II through the eyes of a young Polish girl was interesting to me, and I can see it appealing to students. I loved the main characters desire to stand up for what was right, no matter the consequences. Students can learn a lot through historical fiction, and Uprising is a great book to add to my collection of WWII books.

Twelve year old Lidia longs the play the piano, longs to see her father, and longs to live in a world at peace. But living in 1940's Warsaw, she's faced with the reality of war and lack. One day she realizes the horrors of the Jewish ghetto and determines to do something about it. But what can she do? Lidia and her friend begin sneaking in food, trying to help those that are starving. Still she wonders if there isn't more. Until one day, she finds a way to join the resistance. And her whole world changes. Based on the real life experiences of Polish teen, Lidia Zakrzewski, Uprising reveals the story of determined Polish nationalists who resist the Nazis and fight to reclaim their nation's freedom. It takes a closer look at the friendships they develop, the ways they must survive, and their hope for a better future.

We love Jennifer Nielsen books in this house. From my 12 year old to my 16 year old to myself, we devour her work. Nielsen has an amazing ability to draw readers into specific events in history and make the whole scene come to life. Uprising is no exception. Lidia is a complex character, filled with both inspiration and flaws. She's determined, stubborn, raw, and wounded: a relatable individual to be sure. The setting and the people really bring this period of history to life, and the themes of hope, fighting for what's right, and the resilience of the human spirit are an absolute inspiration. My only word of caution is that there are a few tense, descriptive points in the book that may be too much for middle grade readers. Uprising does not shy away from some of the rougher parts of war. I found myself internally cringing at some of Nielsen's descriptions and would rate this book more for ages 11-15. But overall, the author really did a great job of tackling a difficult part of history and drawing out the enduring optimism of real life heroes.

*Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Uprising, by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Is a turbulent look at the Warsaw Uprising during World War II for middle grade readers. This novel, based on a true story, is a great addition for libraries adding to their historical fiction collection. Most middle schoolers are not aware of the Warsaw Uprising and this provides a wonderful introduction to the horrors and destruction that occurred. Students will also see the resilience of ordinary people that were fighting with the resistance.

Jennifer Nielsen is so great with middle-grade historical fiction, and this book is no exception. The main character, Lidia, is lovable and real, and I know my students will connect with her. I also love that these events are told in such a way that the reader is inspired to take a stand against injustice in our current time. These books are powerful for middle grade readers, and they also do a great job of depicting the horrible realties of war. I know my 5th grade classes in particular will love this book just like they love all the others by this author!

I really enjoyed this story based on the courageous teen, Lidia Durr who fought in the Warsaw City Uprising.
Including subplots of illegal piano lessons and the positive effect music can have as well as the difficult mother/daughter relationship, made the war story a very compulsive read.
It was tough at times to believe that a young girl could display such uncommon courage and grit!
As a result of it being set during a war, there are alot of opportunities for discussion surrounding the ethics of the rebels' actions which always adds value to a middle grade book!

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read it in return for my honest thoughts.

Nielsen, Jennifer, Uprising. Pgs. 416. Scholastic Books, 2018.
When the Nazis attack Poland, Lidia’s whole life is upended. Their home is bombed and claimed by the Germans. Her whole family is forced to move next to the Jewish Ghetto. Desperate to fight back, she finds ways to rebel. Her brother, Ryszard, is tight-lipped about the resistance. Once finally allowed to join, Lidia rises quickly up in the ranks. Will the resistance succeed?

The plot is well-developed, engaging, and impossible to put down. The characters are likable, realistic, and easy to relate to. Based off true events, readers interested in World War II and historical fiction will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections. Ages 8 to 15. 5 stars.

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

Based on a true story, Uprising follows a girl who joins the Polish resistance movement during World War II. I learned more about what was happening in Warsaw during World War II, but the story was not overly compelling. Middle school readers who are already fans of Nielsen's historical fiction will appreciate this book.

The story is a fictionalized account of the life of Lidia Durr, who lived in Poland during World War II. Lidia leads a very eventful life; in her teen years she joins the resistance, sneaks food to Jewish prisoners in the ghetto camps, and even lives in the ghetto herself. This book is a very sad read, not only because of the number of people who die, but also the descriptive content. It is not necessarily scary, just with much thematic content and thought provoking quotes. For that reason, I wouldn't recommend it to a preteen or younger. The book relayed the importance of education, how it is a weapon against violence and tyranny. Loved the photos and brief summary of Lidia Durr's true life story at the end. It helped clarify what was fiction and what was fact in the story. (The main premise was fact, with a few added characters, adjustments in Lidia's age, etc.)
Thank you to Net Galley for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jennifer A. Nielsen has a way with drawing a reader in, this is exactly what she did with me from the beginning.

My heart went out to Lidia from the beginning, as soon as I knew her and her mother didn't have the bond she so desperately wanted. I believe this is the reason she acted in the brave/wreckless (dare I say) way she did. The worry of this family, and others, kept me reading!

I went into this novel not knowing any of the background to the story, so reading the author's note at the end and seeing the pictures really put a face to these special characters. I believe having this available will grab the reader into understanding the realistic nature of what happened during that event, giving them faces to connect with.

I will be purchasing a copy to have available in my library for the students to read, recommending to 5th grade and up due to subject matter and violence.

Thank you, NetGalley and Scholastic for the ARC.

Jennifer Nielsen is the queen of middle-grade historical fiction. Using some liberties the story follows a real Polish girl and her involvement in the Polish resistance. Being able to read this compelling and heart-wrenching story and then see the photos of the real people helps connect how even children can be heroes. I learned a lot about the Polish Resistance. Upper elementary and middle school students will enjoy this!

Thank you to Scholastic and Net Galley for the eARC. I got this right before our Scholastic book fair and it made it easier for me to recommend this book!

This time in history is so dark and cruel, but what a beautiful story of a girl who was brave even in the darkest of times. I cannot fathom the loss she experienced, but her story deserves to be shared. I also really appreciate that this is a historical fiction book that is written at a level that younger readers can also understand. This book shares a teenager’s story in a way that adults and a younger audience can read together.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #ScholasticPress for allowing me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of Jennifer A. Nielsen’s newest middle grade historical fiction novel, Uprising.

Lidia is twelve-years-old when the Nazis invade her home country of Poland. Her father is sent to lead troops on the eastern front and Lidia wants to fight back too. As the war progresses, they are forced out of their home and into a small apartment. Her older brother secretly joins the resistance and Lidia continues to go to school in secret. Both hide their doings from their mother. The longer the war goes on, the more Lidia wants to fight back. Eventually, she too joins the resistance as a messenger, code name Cello.

I think it’s really cool that the story is based on the true story of a young Polish girl who participated in the Warsaw city uprising. I found the story interesting and captivating. There is a bit of a romance sub-plot and I know this isn’t a happy ending kind of book, but I so wanted a happy ending (not that the ending isn’t hopeful or inspiring as it is). The book focuses on familial relationships, standing up for your beliefs, and is a great jumping point for discussions on prejudice, racism, and the dangers of power. This book is inspiring and hopeful and I highly recommend it.

Nielsen is a fantastic writer and I was sucked into the story from the start. The story is based on a real life girl.

Lidia is a Polish teen living in Warsaw at the start of WW2. She quickly learned that her education would never be the same again and in the end that heroes are those who stand up for what they believe in. Throughout she stands for her love of Poland and fights to survive and mostly hopes for a better future. She suffers losses along the way and learns skills she never knew would be needed.

Thanks to Scholastic and Netgalley for the advance Kindle copy of this 3.5.24 release. All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 for this WWII tale. Set in Poland, it is based on the story of a real resistance fighter. Lidia and her mother have always butted heads, and when her father goes to war they reach a new level. Lidia wants to help the Jews confined to the Warsaw ghetto; her mother insists they stay out of the conflict. Lidia, used to sneaking around her mother, joins anyway, and becomes deeply entrenched in the resistance movement. This one is a little repetitive in the middle; but historical fiction fans will enjoy it.

My thanks goes to NetGalley and Scholastic. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre and Age: Middle Grade Historical Fiction, WWII Fiction, Holocaust
Violence Level: There are deaths but not too horrific considering this is during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw

I'm stunned by this book. It shows the depth needed to change. There are real relationships that aren't perfect. There are even people who aren't "bad" but won't do anything to change their circumstances or try to protect another. And there are those who profit from trodding over others.

Even though this is middle grade, I think adults will enjoy it just at much as kids. It will be a good starting point for a discussion about war, prejudice, racism, and humanity.

And even though this book is set in Nazi occupied Poland—a horrible time in history—there is so much hope. This comes from our main character and the others in the Resistance. It's inspiring.

I highly recommend this book!

PS: Don't forget to read the author's note in the back to learn more sbout the real Lidia and see her family photos.

Jennifer A Nielsen is one of my favorite writers. She truly has a gift. This book another one of her amazingly well written historical fiction books for a middle grade audience, which I am always up for. I love the strength of these amazing characters and how they refuse to be beaten and wow, their courage is so inspiring. I loved the honest relationship between Lidia and her mother. I am a sucker for books based off real people. It's a heavy subject, but written so well. Huge thank you to the publisher for the Netgalley approval.