Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the Holocaust book for upper elementary and middle school—and for good reason. Lowry threads an incredibly difficult needle: making the terror of Nazi occupation real and meaningful without traumatizing young readers. Annemarie is a perfect protagonist for this age, scared but brave, learning what courage actually means.

The story itself is powerful and the historical lesson is crucial. That said, let's be honest: this is a 1989 book, and some modern kids will find the pacing slower than what they're used to. It's not a page-turner in the contemporary sense—it's more of a steady, careful build. But that's also part of its strength for the right reader.

The content warnings are real but appropriate: a slapping incident, discussions of death and disappearance, and the constant low-grade fear of occupation. This isn't trauma porn, though—it's calibrated for 9-year-olds who are ready to start understanding that the world has real darkness and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

If your kid is ready for their first 'this actually happened' historical read, this is an excellent choice. Just know it requires a bit more patience than a modern thriller, and some kids will need you available for processing the heavier moments.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-14, particularly as a first 'serious' historical fiction read or classroom assignment. Mature 8-year-olds can handle it with support. Teens may find it a bit young unless they're nostalgic or studying WWII.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Models extraordinary courage, kindness, and sacrifice through ten-year-old Annemarie helping hide her Jewish best friend Ellen during the Holocaust. Shows strong family bonds and community cooperation. The mother is slapped by Nazis and there are mentions of death (including Annemarie's sister killed by a car), but violence is handled with restraint appropriate for the age group. Emotionally honest about fear and danger without being gratuitous.

Imaginative

72

Historical fiction that invites readers to imagine life in Nazi-occupied Denmark and understand a different time period. The story of the Danish Resistance smuggling nearly 7,000 Jews to Sweden is compelling and thought-provoking. However, this is more about understanding history than creative world-building or open-ended exploration. It's imaginative in helping kids step into another person's shoes during a critical moment in history, but not in the 'build your own world' sense.

Safe

78

Age-appropriate handling of serious Holocaust themes for middle-grade readers. Common Sense Media notes a slapping incident, mentions of deaths and disappearances, and a baby being drugged (to keep quiet during escape). These are contextually appropriate and not gratuitous, but parents should know this isn't light reading. Recommended for ages 9+ by multiple sources. The emotional weight is real—kids will encounter fear, loss, and danger—but it's handled with care by a Newbery Medal-winning author who knows her audience.

Enriching

94

Exceptional educational and empathy-building value. Teaches about the Holocaust, Danish Resistance, courage, and moral responsibility through an accessible child's perspective. Newbery Medal winner that has been a classroom staple for decades. Helps kids understand antisemitism, bravery, and what it means to stand up for others. As the NYT noted in 2022, it's 'particularly relevant' for fighting antisemitism today. Reviews consistently praise how it takes readers 'to the very heart' of understanding true courage.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Teaches Holocaust history through a child's eyes without overwhelming or traumatizing—Lois Lowry knows exactly how to calibrate for this age
Shows what real courage looks like: Annemarie is scared but acts anyway, which is a powerful model for kids
The Danish Resistance story (smuggling 7,000 Jews to Sweden) is genuinely inspiring and less commonly known than other Holocaust narratives
Builds serious empathy and understanding of antisemitism, friendship across differences, and moral responsibility
Short, accessible chapters make it manageable for reluctant readers tackling their first 'serious' book

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What to Watch For

This isn't light reading—there's real fear, a Nazi slaps Annemarie's mom, and death is discussed (including her sister's death before the story starts)
Some kids find the pacing slow compared to modern middle-grade novels; it's a 1989 book and reads like one
The baby-drugging scene (to keep her quiet during escape) can confuse younger kids without context
May need parent support for processing the heavier emotions and historical context

Conversation Starters

"If you were Annemarie, do you think you could have been brave enough to help Ellen? What would have been the scariest part?"
"Why do you think the Danish people helped their Jewish neighbors when other countries didn't?"
"The book shows that even kids can make a difference in scary situations. When have you had to be brave about something hard?"
"What did you think about the necklace and why Annemarie kept it? What would you have done?"

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