Behind the Bedroom Wall

Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the complexities of peer pressure or questioning the authority figures and social norms they once accepted without thought. Set in 1942 Nazi Germany, it follows Korinna, a loyal member of the Jungmadel who discovers her parents are hiding a Jewish mother and daughter behind her bedroom wall. This discovery forces her to choose between the nationalistic ideals she has been taught and the undeniable humanity of the people in her home. The story provides a powerful framework for discussing honesty, integrity, and the courage required to stand against the crowd. It is particularly appropriate for middle grade readers (ages 9 to 13) who are developing their own moral compass. Parents might choose this book to help a child process the feeling of being an outsider or to explore how empathy can overcome deeply ingrained prejudices, all within a high stakes historical context.