Daniel Half Human

David Chotjewitz's 'Daniel Half Human' is a powerful young adult novel set in 1930s Germany, exploring the devastating impact of antisemitism through the eyes of two inseparable friends. Daniel and Armin's bond is shattered when Daniel discovers his Jewish heritage, forcing him to navigate a world increasingly hostile to his identity. The story delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, moral courage, and the insidious nature of prejudice, offering a deeply personal look at the choices individuals faced during the rise of the Nazi party. It's a poignant and intense read, suitable for mature young adults ready to engage with complex historical and ethical dilemmas.

At the dawn of Hitler's rise to power in Germany in 1933 and a period of the most brutal, aggressive anti-Semitism the world has ever seen, two boys swear eternal brotherhood by slitting their wrists and mingling their blood. Having experienced so much together, even a night in jail after painting a swastika on a wall in the hated Communist section of Hamburg, Daniel and Armin had become the best of friends. But then, with the scar on his wrist still healing, Daniel receives some life-altering news: He is half-Jewish, and as such, half-hated by a growing number of neighbors, teachers, and friends. Quickly, he decides to keep his identity a secret, conspiring with Armin to join the Hitler Youth -- but only one of them can, and will, join, with terrible consequences.