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.
The Plot to Kill Hitler 
by Patricia McCormick. Published in 2018 by Balzer & Bray. 192 pages. Recommended for ages 8-12 years, Lexile 1000.
(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:
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.
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.
Debbie, I really appreciate the fact you chose this book, as it will be really useful around my house. My son (13) has read nothing but WWII historical fiction for the last year. While I recognize this is what is fascintating to him right now, I'd love to move him into some of other forms, such as this text. He does have the DK book you highlighted, and will frequently use it to reference people, places, or weapons mentioned in the fictional texts. Currently, we are on the second of three books based on the plots of resistance groups to kill Hitler, under the premise that Hitler won the war. If this is something of interest to you after reading The Faithful Spy, you might look for these titles by Ryan Graudin, Wolf by Wolf and Blood for Blood.
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