Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you find the portrayal of 1936 Berlin in War Games compared to other works by Alan Gratz, particularly Projekt 1065, which is also set in Nazi Germany?

2. Which element of the story resonated with you the most? Was it a particular character’s journey, a specific scene during the heist, or the novel’s depiction of the political atmosphere of the Olympic Games? Explain your answer.

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Evie’s dream of winning a gold medal is driven by her need to rescue her family from poverty. Have you ever adopted a personal goal that was fueled by a desire to help your loved ones? How did that motivation shape your actions?

2. Evie forms an unlikely team with Karl, Ursula, Mary, and Heinz. Have you ever been part of a group in which people with very different backgrounds and motivations came together for a common purpose? What did that experience teach you about trust and collaboration?

3. How does the novel’s portrayal of Heinz’s double life illustrate the pressure to present a certain image to the world? Can you recall a time when you had to balance different aspects of your identity in different social settings?

4. Mary Brooks acts as a mentor to Evie, offering her guidance, support, and a new future. What role do mentors play in helping people navigate difficult situations? What kinds of mentors have you had, and how has their advice influenced your life?

5. Evie’s initial goal is to win an Olympic medal, but her definition of victory changes dramatically by the end of the novel. How has your own understanding of success or achievement evolved over time?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The 1936 Olympics are presented as a massive propaganda event designed to showcase a sanitized version of Nazi Germany. How does this depiction reflect the ways in which modern-day international sporting or cultural events are used to shape a country’s image on the world stage?

2. Gratz draws parallels between the persecution in Germany and similar injustices in the United States, such as the derogatory treatment of migrants from the Dust Bowl and the racism faced by Black athletes like Jesse Owens. What message does the novel deliver about the shared human struggle for dignity and rights?

3. How does War Games provide a primer on the different forms that resistance can take in the face of an oppressive regime? How does this message pertain to modern-day issues and conflicts?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does Gratz use specific settings to develop The Hidden Realities of Corrupt Regimes?

2. Solomon Monday’s worldview contrasts with those of the other members of the heist team. What does his cynical philosophy reveal about the moral landscape of the story? How does his betrayal sharpen the novel’s message about solidarity?

3. Why does Gratz abandon the sports focus of the novel and shift to the conventions of a fast-paced thriller?

4. Why does Gratz tell the story entirely from Evie’s limited perspective? What are the narrative strengths of seeing the horrors of the Nazi regime gradually dawn on a young outsider?

5. The novel portrays a world in which truth is constantly manipulated, similar to dystopian works like George Orwell’s 1984. How does Gratz explore the psychological impact of propaganda on both the citizens who live with it and the outsiders trying to make sense of it?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were the mastermind of the heist, what kind of new specialist would you add to the team to assist with the robbery? What unique skill would this person possess, and what would be their personal motivation to join the mission?

2. The story concludes with Mary offering Evie a job as her stunt double in Hollywood. What might their first movie project together look like? Describe the film’s plot and a key scene where Evie’s gymnastic talents are put to the test.

3. What might a journal entry from Leni Riefenstahl’s perspective reveal about her thoughts immediately following her conversation with Evie? How might she justify her decision to film “winners” while ignoring the dark truths that the young American athlete tried to share with her?

4. At one point, the athletes receive a comic criticizing the athletes for competing in the Games despite the Nazi regime. Create your own comic highlighting a contemporary social or political issue. How does that issue compare to the situation in War Games?