Book details
The Whirlwind
Description
It is 1941. Fourteen-year-old Ben Friedman flees the horrors of Nazi Germany with his parents and his sister, leaving behind his grandparents, his friends, his home. They make a difficult journey over land and sea all the way to Japan and then to America. In Seattle, Ben dares to hope that he will finally be safe. He finds a friend in John, a Japanese-American boy, but then comes the attack on Pearl Harbor and everything changes. Fear begins to grow in Ben, fear that it is all happening again. Where can he be safe? What should he do? He dreams of Canada, thinking it a haven, only to find that he has nowhere to turn, nowhere to run. Perhaps safety is not where or even what he thinks it is. Perhaps life is not what he imagined at all.
Age
7-9
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
144 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Historical Fiction: 'The Whirlwind' by Carol Matas offers readers a compelling dive into historical events, providing an engaging way to learn about the past through the lens of relatable characters and gripping narrative.
- Exploration of Human Resilience: The book showcases the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, making it an inspiring read for those who are interested in stories of survival and perseverance.
- Cultural Insight: Carol Matas's work often provides insight into Jewish culture and history. 'The Whirlwind' is no exception, offering readers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish experiences during pivotal moments in history.
- Award-Winning Author: Carol Matas is a critically acclaimed author with a reputation for writing thought-provoking and accessible young adult literature. Reading 'The Whirlwind' gives readers the opportunity to experience the work of a respected author in the field.