War Games

Alan Gratz
63 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2025

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Book Brief

Alan Gratz

War Games

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2025
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction
Period
World War II
Setting

Greece • 1940s

Theme
Justice

•

Self Discovery

•

Politics & Government
Topic
Sports
First Publication Year

2025

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

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Super Short Summary

War Games by Alan Gratz follows an Albanian boy named Kristof during World War II as he navigates life under German occupation. Kristof's courage and cleverness are tested when he's involved in a deadly game of survival, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals in war-torn regions. This story highlights the personal impact of global conflict.

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Informative

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

2,976 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

War Games by Alan Gratz is praised for its engaging and educational narrative, immersing readers in historical events with clarity and emotion. The character development is strong, making it suitable for both young readers and educators. Some critiques mention predictable plot points and a somewhat simplified narrative, but overall, its historical insights and compelling storytelling are well-received.

Who should read this

Who Should Read War Games?

A reader who enjoys War Games by Alan Gratz is likely interested in historical fiction set during World War II, focusing on themes of bravery and survival. This book will appeal to fans of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and Number the Stars due to its engaging storytelling and historical context aimed at middle-grade audiences.

4.2

2,976 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

A 13-year-old gymnast attending the 1936 Berlin Olympics with a desire to achieve fame and fortune, who becomes involved in a heist that challenges her views on victory and morality.

A member of the Hitler Youth who secretly belongs to a persecuted Jewish family, acting as a guide to the protagonist by revealing the harsh realities of life under the Nazi regime.

A British journalist and the mastermind behind a heist at the Reichsbank, whose cynical worldview and manipulative tactics present moral challenges to the protagonist.

A Hollywood movie star and Olympic equestrian champion who provides mentorship and support to the protagonist, offering both worldly wisdom and a model of true success beyond fame.

A French diver and member of the heist team, motivated by personal trauma stemming from Nazi racism, who demonstrates courage and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

A German Olympic weightlifter who serves as the muscle of the heist team, driven by love and a desire to support the German resistance, representing internal opposition to the Nazis.

The renowned filmmaker for the Olympic Games, depicted as obsessed with aesthetic beauty while ignoring the darker truths of the regime she serves.

The celebrated Black American athlete whose record-breaking achievements at the Berlin Olympics challenge Nazi racial ideologies and inspire the protagonist.

A German fencer of partial Jewish descent whose participation in the Olympics represents the complex choices faced by individuals within oppressive regimes.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction
Period
World War II
Setting

Greece • 1940s

Theme
Justice

•

Self Discovery

•

Politics & Government
Topic
Sports
First Publication Year

2025

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

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