
Reach for this book when your child feels like their family doesn't 'get' their interests, or when you want to discuss how to show kindness to someone who seems difficult to like. Set against the backdrop of the 1939 World's Fair and the looming shadow of World War II, Benny follows a young boy obsessed with baseball whose life is interrupted by the arrival of a somber German refugee. While Benny initially struggles to find common ground with someone so different, he eventually discovers that his own unique talents can help bridge the gap between two worlds. This gentle historical novel explores empathy and family dynamics for children aged 8 to 12. It is a wonderful tool for normalizing the frustration of being misunderstood while modeling how to look beyond oneself to help a person in need.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with the refugee experience and the early days of the Holocaust indirectly. The trauma is presented through Arnold's personality: his withdrawal and unhappiness: rather than graphic descriptions. It is a secular Jewish perspective that feels grounded and realistic. The resolution is hopeful but not sugary; it acknowledges that healing takes time.
A middle-grade reader who feels like the 'odd one out' in their family or a child who enjoys historical fiction but prefers character-driven stories over action-heavy ones.
It is helpful to provide some context regarding the 1939 World's Fair and the general atmosphere in America just before WWII to help the child understand the stakes of Arnold's arrival. A parent might see their child being dismissive of a peer who is 'different' or struggling to find their place among siblings who have more 'serious' interests.
Younger readers (8-9) will relate to Benny's frustration with his parents and his love of sports. Older readers (10-12) will better grasp the historical weight of Arnold's situation and the nuance of the boys' changing relationship.
Unlike many Holocaust-era books that focus on the atrocities, this story focuses on the 'after' and the role of American Jewish children in welcoming those who escaped, emphasizing empathy over tragedy.
Set in 1939 New Jersey, Benny Rifkind is a boy whose world revolves around the Brooklyn Dodgers and the upcoming World's Fair. His family, however, views his passions as trivial. The dynamic shifts when the Rifkinds take in a German refugee named Arnold. Arnold is sullen, quiet, and seemingly uninterested in everything Benny loves. The heart of the story lies in Benny's realization that his own 'frivolous' interests and his inherent kindness are exactly what Arnold needs to begin healing from the trauma of fleeing Nazi Germany.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.