The Enemy Above

the-enemy-aboveA Novel of World War II

Written by Michael P. Spradlin

This historical fiction novel is set in 1942 during World War II. Nazi Germany is invading Ukraine and tormenting villages of Jewish peasants. They either kill them or take them prisoner. The Nazis need to use the Ukrainians’ fertile land to feed their people and military. This story is about Anton, a 12 year old Jewish boy, and his family. His grandmother, Bubbe, and his uncles play a significant part in the book. Major Karl Von Duesen is part of the Nazi gestapo trying to capture and kill Jews to pad his career (not a nice man.) Jews try to hide in secret caves, sneaking out at night to find water for their survival. The chapters alternate between Anton, who seems wise beyond his years, and Von Duesen, who is willing to stop at nothing for personal revenge. There are some disturbing murder scenes as well as page-turning adventure. Anyone who likes war stories will love this book. It is definitely for Grades 5 and older.

Review by Debbie Woolsey, Westbrook Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 5-12

The Enemy Above: A Novel of World War II
Written by Michael P. Spradlin
Scholastic Press
232 pages
Release Date: June 28, 2016
A review copy was provided by the publisher.

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5 thoughts on “The Enemy Above”

  1. Christine Fotheringham

    Scholastic promoted this at their book fair (it was on the DVD), so I’m glad to see and actual review of it. Thanks for reviewing it!

  2. These are the type of books that I love to find for my husband to read. Thank you for the review. Now I have a new book to get him.

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