Cricket Readers Recommend

Milkweed

by Jerry Spinelli

Nazi Germany...  

A boy is found.  No mother.  No father.  No home.  No age.  No name.  No identity whatsoever.  The only thing he can remember anyone calling him is "Stop, thief!"  He has survived only by stealing bread from rich ladies who walk by.       
He's labeled a "Jew" and a "Gypsy".  He's thrown in a ghetto.  He's hated by the world.
And he wants to be a Nazi.
***
This is a story of the ghetto, and of a boy too young and innocent to understand it all.  VERY SAD.  A Must-Read for anyone interested in Nazi Germany.  
         
 
     
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
submitted by BellaTrix, age
(January 6, 2009 - 5:50 pm)

I've heard that this book is really good, but is it sad? My Grandmother is from Germany, and she lived during the Holocaust, so I like to read books that are about that time. Is it sad, though?

submitted by Koffee, age 12, OR
(January 23, 2009 - 11:31 pm)

a man did a presentation for me and my class. He was alive during the holocaust. In the end he weighted only 35 pounds! it is a sad but interesting subject.

no i have not read the book but i have stargirl. I didn;t read it yet.

submitted by kiki, age 11, here
(March 11, 2010 - 10:15 am)

Ok, stupid me, I obviously didn't see the capitalized letters saying: VERY SAD! Sorry about that. Ok, I'll just stop talking now...Foot in mouth

submitted by Koffee, age 12, OR
(January 23, 2009 - 11:40 pm)

*smiles sadly*

submitted by BellaTrix ✌ ♡
(January 26, 2009 - 5:52 pm)

Yeah...sorry about that. I haven't had my Koffee today. *laughs insanely at own joke* *laughing fades* *looks embarrased* *coughs* Yeah...

submitted by Koffee, age 12, OR
(January 31, 2009 - 1:00 am)

Don't be sorry. ):( Uh, by the way . . . are you a girl??? :S

submitted by BellaTrix ✌ ♡
(February 7, 2009 - 3:34 pm)

Well, you probably figured this out from the Chatterbox and all, but yeah I'm a girl. I've been trying to find this book because I want to read it really badly!

submitted by Koffee
(April 4, 2009 - 1:33 pm)

Me too! Every time I go to the library, I go look for it. (Hint: they say it's in the young adult section) but it's always out. It must be popular.

submitted by Miss Miss, age 12, the world
(August 30, 2010 - 6:49 pm)

this is one of the best books ive ever read. its sort of sad, but it tells the story of the holocaust really well.

submitted by abby g, age 12, bethesda, md
(February 8, 2009 - 9:53 am)

Yes . . . :(:

submitted by BellaTrix ✌ ♡
(February 9, 2009 - 11:51 pm)

AWESOME book!!! I am a book fanatic (did I spell it right!?!!), and Jerry Spinelli Is Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! Has anyone read STARGIRL by Jerry Spinelli????? <- AWESOME!!!! But it should only be read by peoples age 10 or older....

Yes, you spelled it right, Rachel.

Old Cricket

submitted by Rachel B., age 11, Earth
(March 10, 2009 - 6:54 pm)

I've read Stargirl and i think it's a pretty good book but you are right about it having an age limit.....

submitted by Miss Kimmy, age 1000, Lalaland
(July 3, 2010 - 5:53 pm)

Wow, this book was amazing! So sad though...

submitted by Ima Bookworm
(June 30, 2009 - 5:33 pm)

I think that all books about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany have to have an element of sadness - otherwise they would be unfaithful to the time period. However, the sadness shouldn't stop you from reading this book. It's Nazi Germany from a child's point of view, a child may not understand politics or religion, but who does understand dead bodies and the hunger gnawing at his belly. A worthwile read, I think.

submitted by Allison P.
(March 12, 2010 - 12:27 pm)

Milkweed is so touching because of the voice it is told in.  If it were told in any different way it just wouldn't be the same.  I find that alot in Jerry Spinelli's books-the main voice is someone who adds just the right perspective to the book.  I would recommend another book of his called "eggs".

submitted by Amy G., age 13, Pennsylvania
(March 27, 2010 - 6:14 pm)