Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II (Operation Kinderspion #1)
by Adam Gidwitz (Author)
"Max in the House of Spies is everything you could hope for in a book," -R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder, White Bird, and Pony
"Espionage! Secrets! Suspense! If you've ever dreamed of being a spy, this book is for you." -Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Projekt 1065
Max Bretzfeld doesn't want to move to London.
Leaving home is hard and Max is alone for the first time in his life. But not for long. Max is surprised to discover that he's been joined by two unexpected traveling companions, one on each shoulder, a kobold and a dybbuk named Berg and Stein.
Germany is becoming more and more dangerous for Jewish families, but Max is determined to find a way back home, and back to his parents. He has a plan to return to Berlin. It merely involves accomplishing the impossible: becoming a British spy.
The first book in a duology, Max in the House of Spies is a thought-provoking World War II story as only acclaimed storyteller Adam Gidwitz can tell it--fast-paced and hilarious, with a dash of magic and a lot of heart.
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Publishers Weekly
After Kristallnacht, things continue getting worse for German Jews, prompting the parents of highly intelligent 11-year-old Max Bretzfeld to send him to England via the Kindertransport. Though Max doesn't want to go--especially because he often feels as if he's the only one looking out for his meek parents--they insist. Max ends up living with the Montagus, an aristocratic family of British Jews, and he did not arrive alone. He's joined by two invisible companions: a dybbuk, or Jewish evil spirit, on one shoulder and a kobold, or German folk spirit, on the other. When Max realizes that one of the Montagus is a British spy, he endeavors to become one as well, believing it to be the quickest way to return to Berlin to search for his parents. Gidwitz (the Unicorn Rescue Society series) imbues Max's first-person voice with plentiful charm and intellect, making him an irresistible and irrepressible protagonist even his otherworldly tormentors can't help but grow fond of. The compelling plot, which occasionally stretches credulity, boasts an exciting mixture of triumphs and perils, leading up to a cliffhanger ending that will have readers clamoring for the sequel. Ages 8-12. Agent: Sarah Burnes, Gernert Company. (Feb.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-7--Gidwitz's latest is absolutely everything a reader could want in a World War II spy novel. Max is sent away from Berlin by his Jewish parents at the brink of WWII. Alone and scared, Max finds himself accompanied by two immortal and incorporeal creatures, a dybbuk and a kobold. Named Stein and Berg, these two offer comedic insights and observations in classic Gidwitz style, with sarcasm and wit in equal measure. Max must engage his full mental capacities to survive anti-Semitic bullies. He then must work his way into training to become the youngest spy for Britain, all in hopes of getting sent back to Berlin to be reunited with his parents. Brilliant, funny, and full of twists and turns that engage both the heart and the mind, this novel will have readers clamoring for the follow-up in the duology. Newbery Honoree Gidwitz is at the top of his form using humor, fantastical creatures, and in-depth research to bring this story zestfully to life. VERDICT Highly recommended for all collections serving middle grade and older readers who enjoy smartly written historical novels.--John Scott
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
"Clever Max plays the long game with determination, and his agency is refreshing.... This heartfelt historical novel explores big questions of autonomy and allegiance with an admirable protagonist readers will respect and adore." —Booklist, starred review
"Gidwitz imbues Max's first-person voice with plentiful charm and intellect, making him an irresistible and irrepressible protagonist.... An exciting mixture of triumphs and perils, leading up to a cliffhanger ending that will have readers clamoring for the sequel." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A duology opener with a truly likable hero and clever puzzling. Max in the House of Spies—packed with sideways thinking, sociopolitical insights, and a Marmite-eating kangaroo named Kathy—delights.″ —Kirkus
JUV016060 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | Holocaust
JUV076000 - Juvenile Fiction | Spies & Spying
Historical fiction
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Spies
Jewish refugees
