Max in the House of Spies

A fantasy adventure about WW2 and the Holocaust? It is unexpectedly brilliant.

This is not an LGBT book, but a gay character is introduced in the second book Max in the Land of Lies, and it addresses the dire situation for gay folks (and others obviously) living in Nazi controlled Germany. And there are quite a few other characters (including Max) that can easily be read as gay characters as the story progresses. So I’m including it on The Purple Fantastic.

Although it is a middle grade book, it works great as an adult read as well. It pulls no punches as to the horror of war. I’m impressed how effectively the author convinced me that a twelve year old boy could be sent as a British spy to Berlin. It was not the leap that I expected.

I also love that most of the story was populated with real historical characters, and that at the end of the book he goes into more detail about who these people were, in addition to a full bibliography for further reading. The magical element is pretty minor and for the most part has no bearing on the plot. They are a tool for discussing the ideas brought up within each scene. Think a comic Greek chorus of two. It surprisingly works.

Additionally, and particularly in the second book set primarily in Berlin, this book is a powerful read in this time of fascist leaders within the US. This duology shines a light on the methods of totalitarianism and it’s hard to not see shades of orange skin when we read about a certain ordinary looking man with the little mustache who loves the sound of his own voice.

* * * * *

An acclaimed Best Book of 2024!

“Max in the House of Spies is everything you could hope for in a book,” -R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder, White Bird, and Pony

“Espionage! Secrets! Suspense! If you’ve ever dreamed of being a spy, this book is for you.” -Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Projekt 1065

Max Bretzfeld doesn’t want to move to London.

Leaving home is hard and Max is alone for the first time in his life. But not for long. Max is surprised to discover that he’s been joined by two unexpected traveling companions, one on each shoulder, a kobold and a dybbuk named Berg and Stein.

Germany is becoming more and more dangerous for Jewish families, but Max is determined to find a way back home, and back to his parents. He has a plan to return to Berlin. It merely involves accomplishing the impossible: becoming a British spy.

The first book in a duology, Max in the House of Spies is a thought-provoking World War II story as only acclaimed storyteller Adam Gidwitz can tell it—fast-paced and hilarious, with a dash of magic and a lot of heart.

Instant New York Times bestseller • Wall Street Journal Best Books of the Year • Booklist Editors’ Choice • Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year • School Library Journal Best Books of the Year • Common Sense Best Books of the Year • Imagination Soup Best Books of the Year• Tablet Magazine Best Books of the Year

The Purple Fantastic Steam Meter gives this a 1. It is completely appropriate for younger readers, though it does address some of the more horrific aspects of war in an age appropriate way, and it does acknowledge that LGBTQ people exist. You can read more about the Steam Ratings on the About Page.

book-author

Adam Gidwitz
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Description

An acclaimed Best Book of 2024!

“Max in the House of Spies is everything you could hope for in a book,” -R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder, White Bird, and Pony

“Espionage! Secrets! Suspense! If you’ve ever dreamed of being a spy, this book is for you.” -Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Projekt 1065

Max Bretzfeld doesn’t want to move to London.

Leaving home is hard and Max is alone for the first time in his life. But not for long. Max is surprised to discover that he’s been joined by two unexpected traveling companions, one on each shoulder, a kobold and a dybbuk named Berg and Stein.

Germany is becoming more and more dangerous for Jewish families, but Max is determined to find a way back home, and back to his parents. He has a plan to return to Berlin. It merely involves accomplishing the impossible: becoming a British spy.

The first book in a duology, Max in the House of Spies is a thought-provoking World War II story as only acclaimed storyteller Adam Gidwitz can tell it—fast-paced and hilarious, with a dash of magic and a lot of heart.

Instant New York Times bestseller • Wall Street Journal Best Books of the Year • Booklist Editors’ Choice • Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year • School Library Journal Best Books of the Year • Common Sense Best Books of the Year • Imagination Soup Best Books of the Year• Tablet Magazine Best Books of the Year

Additional information

book-author

Adam Gidwitz
Format

Audiobook, Hardcover, Kindle Books, Paperback
Language

English
Publisher

Dutton Books for Young Readers
Pages

336
Year Published

2024

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