Summary: Westfallen
What if Nazi Germany won WWII? That’s the chilling question this time-travel thriller explores. Two sets of a friendship trio — one in 2023 and the other in 1944 — discover that they can communicate over a radio device present in both timelines. As the two groups figure out the differences in their timelines while trying to avoid making any changes to history, they discover that they’ve unwittingly made an enormously impactful change with shocking consequences.
The Good
With such a thrilling premise, even for non-history buffs or kids who don’t like time travel stories, the execution of this book is even better than I expected! First, I loved the past and present timelines with three characters on each side who still manage to have distinct enough personalities that readers won’t confuse one for the other. These fully fleshed characters have unique issues they’re dealing with, from grief to racism to social challenges.
Another thing I loved about my experience with this book (I listened to the audiobook) is that I could never predict what was coming next — I loved receiving surprise after surprise as the kids realized the effects of their decisions on the future. Besides the obvious historical element, this book tackles relatable themes like evolving friendships, racial prejudice, and middle school life as the kids in the story have to balance real life with the effects of their momentous discovery.
Readers will experience a rollercoaster of emotions from worry to relief, elation to disappointment, and excitement to pure terror as they read this book. I rarely read sequels, but I eagerly expect book two in the series after that cliffhanger at the end of this book!
Westfallen
Westfallen is a chilling exploration of a terrifying alternate reality for fans of high-action time travel fiction. This is a middle grade book with a complex, cinematic plot and storytelling that wil appeal to younger and older middle schoolers alike. This is also one of those books that makes it fun to learn about key historical events like D-day while making room for young readers to think about what could have happened if history had taken a different turn and the impact it would have on life as they know it. I highly recommend the audiobook!
Star Rating
Content Notes
Here are some specifics to know about the content.
Content Warnings
- Death: A death occurs during the story, but not at all graphic.
- Alcohol/substance abuse: None
- Sexual content: None
- Religious content: One character is Jewish, but no significant mentions of Jewish religious activities
- Language: None
Diversity
- Ethnic: Main characters are white, Black, and Jewish
- Sexual orientation: None
Recommended for ages: 10+
Good for kids who like:
Publisher Details
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