Through the Wall
by Alida Sims Malkus
Interesting Story, Underdeveloped Characters
I just finished pre-reading this in preparation for my 3rd grader’s history read-aloud. The story was interesting to me, and my son was transfixed by the first three chapters. He didn’t want me to stop reading because he was so interested in finding out if Hansi escapes from East Berlin to West Berlin. However, after the great escape sequence, I found myself frequently doubling back to try to understand why a character had behaved a certain way, or why they were feeling the way they were feeling. It just felt as though I had missed something, as though the author had understood some things about the characters that she had somehow failed to include in her actual writing. In my opinion, it’s not a bad book, and the story itself is very interesting, especially from a historical standpoint. The characters just need fleshed out a bit more.
Engaging and educational
My 11 year old loves WWII books and chose this book for us. I am glad she did, right from the beginning this book has you interested in Hansi’s experience in East and West Berlin post WWII It’s entertaining and educational. It made me think about my own freedoms and the importance of teaching them to our children.
Wonderful!
We read this as a read-aloud. It is now my 10 year-olds favorite book! It is a great historical-fiction about communism, but it is also a great book to inspire Americans, and help us remember our freedoms and what we need to protect. The book does end in a way that feels like there could be a great sequel. We were a little disappointed that there wasn’t a sequel, but my son responded with: “I am going to write the sequel!”
Great Historical Fiction
This is a great historical fiction set during WWII. It’s from the perspective of a 12 year old boy, Hansi, trapped behind the Berlin Wall and his journey to escape. It’s suspenseful, educational, and emotional. We couldn’t put it down.
Educational and Entertaining
I really liked this book. It’s an historical fiction and teaches a lot of great principles. It explains why communism is not a good world view to line yourself with. I think this would be a great resource to teach about that world view and the dangers of it.
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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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