Pennies For Hitler: A Haunting Historical Novel for Young Adults

Pennies for Hitler

by Jackie French

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	674 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

FREE

Overview

Pennies For Hitler is a historical novel by Australian author Jackie French. It was first published in 2001 and has since been translated into several languages. The novel is set in Nazi Germany during World War II and tells the story of a young girl named Liesel Meminger who befriends a Jewish boy named Max Vandenburg.

Liesel is a poor orphan who lives with her foster parents in a working-class neighborhood of Munich. She is a bright and curious girl, but she is also very lonely. Max is a Jewish boy who has been forced to go into hiding after his family is taken away by the Nazis. He is kind and intelligent, and he quickly becomes Liesel's best friend.

Liesel and Max's friendship is a dangerous one. If they are caught, they will both be killed. But they are determined to help each other survive. They share their food, their clothes, and their secrets. They also share their hopes and dreams for a better future.

Themes

Pennies For Hitler explores a number of important themes, including:

• The horrors of war: The novel vividly depicts the horrors of war, including the bombing of cities, the starvation of civilians, and the persecution of Jews.
• The power of friendship: Liesel and Max's friendship is a powerful force that helps them to survive the war. They are there for each other through thick and thin, and they never give up on each other.
• The importance of hope: Even in the darkest of times, it is important to have hope. Liesel and Max never give up hope for a better future, and their hope helps them to survive.
• The complexity of human nature: The novel explores the complexity of human nature. There are good people and bad people on both sides of the war. Liesel and Max learn that it is important to judge people as individuals, not based on their religion or nationality.

Characters

Pennies For Hitler features a cast of well-developed and memorable characters. The main characters are:

• Liesel Meminger: Liesel is a poor orphan who lives with her foster parents in a working-class neighborhood of Munich. She is a bright and curious girl, but she is also very lonely.
• Max Vandenburg: Max is a Jewish boy who has been forced to go into hiding after his family is taken away by the Nazis. He is kind and intelligent, and he quickly becomes Liesel's best friend.
• Rosa Hubermann: Rosa is Liesel's foster mother. She is a kind and caring woman who loves Liesel as her own daughter.
• Hans Hubermann: Hans is Liesel's foster father. He is a gentle and loving man who works as a painter.
• Rudy Steiner: Rudy is Liesel's best friend. He is a loyal and courageous boy who is always there for Liesel.

Setting

Pennies For Hitler is set in Nazi Germany during World War II. The novel vividly depicts the horrors of war, including the bombing of cities, the starvation of civilians, and the persecution of Jews.

The novel is also set in the working-class neighborhood of Munich where Liesel and her foster parents live. This neighborhood is a close-knit community, and the people who live there are fiercely loyal to each other.

Style

Pennies For Hitler is written in a clear and concise style. The novel is narrated by Liesel, and her voice is authentic and believable. The novel is also well-paced, and the plot is engaging and suspenseful.

Critical Reception

Pennies For Hitler has received critical acclaim. The novel has been praised for its powerful storytelling, its well-developed characters, and its important themes.

Here are a few excerpts from reviews of the novel:

"Pennies For Hitler is a must-read for young adults. It is a powerful and moving story that will stay with you long after you finish it." - The New York Times

"Jackie French has written a masterpiece. Pennies For Hitler is a haunting and unforgettable novel that explores the complexities of war, poverty, and human nature." - The Guardian

"Pennies For Hitler is a powerful and important novel that should be read by everyone." - The Washington Post

Pennies For Hitler is a powerful and moving historical novel that explores the complexities of war, poverty, and human nature. This thought-provoking book is perfect for young adults and adults alike.

I highly recommend Pennies For Hitler to anyone who is interested in historical fiction, young adult literature, or simply great storytelling.

Pennies for Hitler

by Jackie French

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	674 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

FREE