The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler - Review

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix. 

Published in 2018 by Amulet Books. 176 pages. Recommended for ages 10-14 years, Lexile 980.

This historical graphic novel interweaves the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor, with Hitler's rise to power following the first World War. Bonhoeffer would eventually become enmeshed in several attempts to kill Hitler from within the Nazi party, putting his faith to the test as he grappled with moral questions at a time of great upheaval and fear for his country. This text-heavy work combines narrative-style nonfiction with a graphic novel format, providing well-researched information alongside Hendrix's bold artwork. 

(Hendrix, 2018, p.96-97)

The author's focus is on Bonhoeffer's life and Hitler's rule, so the work primarily takes place in Germany and does not focus as much on the larger context of the war. Hendrix also chose not to go into great detail of the holocaust, as it did not play a large role in Bonhoeffer's story, and "it would be inaccurate to use it as an emotional lever" (Hendrix, 2018, p.170). 

Hendrix's eye-catching illustrations play an important role in this graphic novel, providing a large helping of metaphors and visual interest to Bonhoeffer's story. The book utilizes black, teal, and red ink, along with the white of the page, to create sharp contrasts and bold lines. Hendrix primarily portrays Bonhoeffer in cool teal tones, while Hitler's portions are done in red and black. The images, while not designed to instill terror, can sometimes be unsettling, to showcase the fear and grip of Hitler and the Nazi party over Germany. 

(Hendrix, 2018, p.48-49)

Interesting terms in the text are sometimes highlighted in red or teal, with an arrow pointing to a definition or an illustration. These highlights, along with Hendrix's straightforward approach, and engaging illustrations, help make this book approachable for younger readers, who may otherwise feel intimated by a traditional text. An author's note, research notes, and a bibliography for further research are also included at the end of the novel. 

(Hendrix, 2018, p.37)

The Faithful Spy has received starred reviews from several professional reviewers, including Booklist, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. Bonhoeffer has been a popular hero among Christians for many years, but Hendrix tells his story in a way that can be appealing to any reader, Christian or otherwise. Bonhoeffer's morals and religious devotion are showcased in this novel, showing that he was a man who truly lived his faith in the face of great adversity. The graphic format of this book makes it especially appealing for reluctant readers, while still providing a sophisticated vocabulary and historical information.  

Other resources to consider:

The Plot to Kill Hitler by Patricia McCormick. Published in 2018 by Balzer & Bray. 192 pages. Recommended for ages 8-12 years, Lexile 1000. 

Award-winning author Patricia McComrick recounts the events of Bonhoeffer's life in thorough detail using a traditional narrative nonfiction format. It would be an excellent companion book to The Faithful Spy, and both volumes would work well together in a classroom format. 

World War II: Visual Encyclopedia by DK. Published in 2015 by DK Children. 208 pages. Recommended for ages 9-12 years, Lexile 1000. 

The popular series of visual encyclopedias from DK takes on World War II in this browsable volume. Readers can read about important figures, machinery, weapons, and events from the war, along with accompanying photographs and illustrations. 

Video - Crash Course World History #38. Located at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q78COTwT7nE

This video from author John Green gives a good overview of World War II. It provides a larger context to Dietrich Bonhoeffer's story and the effects that Hitler had on the world during this time period. 

References:

Hendrix, J. (2018). The faithful spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the plot to kill Hitler. Amulet Books. 

A Chicken Followed Me Home - Review

A Chicken Followed Me Home: Questions and Answers about a Familiar Fowl by Robin Page.

Published in 2015 by Beach Lane Books. 40 pages. Recommended for ages 5-10 years, Lexile 710.

A Chicken Followed Me Home is the perfect starter book for a child looking to raise their own chickens, or who would simply like to learn more about the life cycle of these domestic fowl. This expository book pairs vibrant collage-style illustrations with straightforward text to answer common questions about keeping chickens. 

(Page, 2015, p.10-11)

In the first half of the book, readers can learn about what chickens eat, where they sleep, some of the common chicken species, and the differences between a hen and a rooster. The last half of the book is largely taken up by the life cycle of the chicken, from egg fertilization, through hatching, all the way to adulthood. 

(Page, 2015, p.24-25)

The final spread answers a few further questions, including a more in-depth look about what happens inside of an egg while a chick is growing. There is also a section with additional resources for readers who would like to learn more about chickens.

(Page, 2015, p.32-33)

 

A Chicken Followed Me Home received glowing reviews from professional reviewers, including starred reviews from both School Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly. This lively informational book is short enough to read to early elementary children, or even attentive preschoolers, while having enough information to satisfy older readers’ curiosity. While not a deeply in-depth look into chicken raising, it would make an excellent book to read together before buying chicks to raise, or a field trip to the farm. 

Books and websites for further research:

A Kid's Guide to Keeping Chickens by Melissa Caughey. Published in 2015 by Storey Publishing. 144 pages. Recommended for ages 8-12 years. 

This in-depth resource covers everything a child or family would want to know about keeping their own chickens. Filled with recipes, crafts, and lots of photographs, this would be a great book for your next step into chicken research after reading A Chicken Followed Me Home.

Chicks & Chickens by Gail Gibbons. Published in 2005 by Holiday House. 32 pages. Recommended for ages 4-8 years, lexile 570. 

This title would make an excellent companion book to A Chicken Followed Me Home. This book covers a bit more information on chicken information, breeds, and life cycles, with text and illustrations that would be appealing to a young elementary school child. 

Hatching Chicks in Room 6 by Caroline Arnold. Published in 2017 by Charlesbridge. Recommended for ages 3-7 years, lexile 590. 

With photographs and text that are appealing to preschoolers and kindergartners, Hatching Chicks in Room 6 would be an excellent choice to read to a classroom doing a unit on chickens, or hatching their own chicks in the classroom. 

Website - Raising Happy Chickens. Located at:

https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/

Raising Happy Chickens is a comprehensive guide for anyone who would like to raise their own chickens at home. With beginner guides, reviews on equipment, and links to help users find out about their local laws regarding backyard chickens, this website covers the basics and more to keeping your own chickens. 

Website - DK Findout! Chickens. Located at: https://www.dkfindout.com/us/animals-and-nature/domesticated-animals/chickens/ 

With interactive vocabulary and an engaging video, this subject guide from DK makes for a fun few minutes of exploring and learning about chickens. 

References:

Page, R. (2015). A chicken followed me home: Questions and answers about a familiar fowl. Beach Lane Books.