Through the Wall
by Alida Sims Malkus
Great book!
This book has been so great. We have enjoyed learning about the Berlin Wall. I liked that this book talks about communism because we were able to talk about our government versus Berlin at the time.
Poorly Written Book
I got this book as part of my history read-aloud book pack. This book surprised me because compared to the other books in the pack it is so poorly written! The dialogue is stilted and awkward and makes the characters seem inconsistent and shallow. We have gotten many other wonderful books from The Good and the Beautiful Library so I’m surprised this one made it through the review process.
A peek inside Soviet occupied East Germany
“Look at her (the Statue of Liberty),” the old man repeated, “and no matter what happens, don’t ever forget, sonny, what she stands for. Sometimes we don’t live up to it. But there it is, forever a reminder.”
This book has provided amazing discussion for our family about the differences between a communist government and our constitutional democratic republic, Hansi’s story made it easy for my children to put themselves in his shoes and consider the many freedoms we are blessed to enjoy.
We read this while studying Unit 4 of History 1 and it was an excellent supplement.
Great story
Great story that was perfect for History 1 Unit 4. It was sad yet heartwarming and it kept my children’s interest.
An Interesting Perspective
I read this book with my children aged 4 through 13 and found parts of the book very engaging. However, It seemed to move quickly away from Berlin and to New York City. I was able to see how the main characters life in East Berlin affected his views and choices but it was a bit over my children’s heads.
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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.
*Offer available on select titles while supplies last. All closeout books are priced as marked. No coupon necessary. 40% discount begins November 21, 2023 and cannot be applied to prior purchases. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Closeout titles may not be refunded, returned, credited, or exchanged.
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