Through the Wall
by Alida Sims Malkus
Three historical settings wonderfully portrayed
This book takes the reader through communist occupied East Berlin, West Berlin, and then to New York City about 12 years after WWII, all through the eyes of a boy who escapes through the wall and then immigrates to America. I learned so much about what it might have been like to live in these areas during this time period. My 12 yo son enjoyed it and my husband even read and enjoyed it. We had some interesting discussions about communism and about the trials that immigrants face when coming to a new place.
For anyone interested in WWII
If you have a reader who is interested in WWII, this would be a great book for them. This book provides a good depth of history about East Germany and the Soviets within the framework of a story of bravery, courage, and loyalty. It is beautifully written and very uplifting.
Suspenseful and engaging
This was a wonderfully written book that complimented our study of The Berlin Wall time period for History 1. The author helped us share the emotions of the main character, Hansi. We had a hard time putting this book down!
Great story
During the Berlin Wall, a boy named Hansi escapes from East Berlin with a dog he finds named Fifi. He goes to German School then in America. Hansi makes lots of new friends and narrowly escapes Soviet Spies.
– Adin, age 13
Very active book, kept us engaged and learned so much
We all enjoyed this book ages 10-adult…It was captivating and engaging. Puts you into the story, and you get to experience it almost first hand it seems. Learn a lot of info and concepts, perfectly written into the curriculum too but definitely could read as stand alone.
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Level 9
Suddenly the sound of heavy footsteps drew nearer, coming up the stairs, tramp, tramp, tramp, nearer, strange and threatening. . . . The Russian police of East Berlin. Five of them!
When twelve-year-old Hansi’s father is arrested, his world is turned upside down. Why was his father taken away? Hansi discovers a past he didn’t know his family had, and soon after, he embarks on an adventure he never could have imagined—a daring trek to cross the great wall that divides East from West Berlin.
With the help of a small dog and some other friends he makes along the way, Hansi comes to realize that the things he’s been taught in post-World War II East Berlin may not provide the best way to live after all.
162 pages
This book is a suggested read-aloud for the History Year 1 course and is included in the optional History 1 Book Pack.
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