War Games

In Alan Gratz's "War Games," twelve-year-old American gymnast Evie Harris travels to the 1936 Berlin Olympics, a seemingly grand event overshadowed by the sinister presence of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime. Evie quickly uncovers the terrifying reality of Nazi Germany's violence and oppression. When she becomes entangled in a dangerous plot with fellow athletes to steal Nazi gold, she faces a profound moral dilemma: pursue her Olympic dreams or risk her life and family's future to fight against a growing evil. This historical thriller is perfect for middle-grade readers aged 10-14, offering a suspenseful adventure that explores themes of courage, justice, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of immense danger.

In 1936 Berlin, nothing is what it seems... Evie Harris can't believe her luck: She's competing in the Olympics, along with fellow American athletes like Jesse Owens. True, there's something creepy about Germany's leader, Adolf Hitler, who watches over the games with his Nazi henchmen. But Evie's just here to win a gold medal in gymnastics. Until she discovers a horrible secret. Behind all the Olympic fanfare, the Nazis have Berlin in an iron grip of terror and violence--and war is brewing. When Evie becomes embroiled in a mysterious plot to help steal Nazi gold, she must navigate the city's darkest corners and hidden passageways, never knowing who she can trust. With lives on the line and her family's future at stake, Evie has to choose between following her Olympic dreams and standing up to evil... before it's too late.