War Games
A novel of 1936 Berlin
Alan Gratz
Readers rate it 3.0 (1 on Hardcover)
- Published
- 2025
Content report card
What's inside
Violence
Fighting, weapons, death
Language
Swearing, crude humor
Sexual content
Romance intensity, nudity
LGBTQ+ themes
Presence of characters or themes
Scary or mature
Horror, trauma, heavy themes
Substance use
Alcohol, drugs, smoking
What it offers
Positive messages
Kindness, courage, honesty, resilience
Positive role models
Characters who model good judgment and growth
Educational value
History, science, culture, how the world works
A note for parents
This historical adventure by Alan Gratz (known for *Refugee* and *Allies*) places young readers in 1936 Berlin during a crucial moment in history, blending real historical events with an age-appropriate heist plot. The book addresses Nazi oppression and antisemitism at a level suitable for middle-grade readers, with some tense and scary moments but not graphic violence. Themes include courage, resistance to injustice, and friendship, with LGBTQ+ representation among supporting characters; the story rewards moral bravery and empathy.
Analyzed by AI · 1 hour ago
Parent age guide
Is “War Games” right for your kid?
Ready from about age 10.
From about 9, okay with a grown-up nearby.
For younger readers
- Violence is moderate (3/5) — a bit much at 9; fine with a grown-up nearby.
- Scary or mature content is moderate (3/5) — a bit much at 9; fine with a grown-up nearby.
- Suggested for ages 10+.
LGBTQ+ characters or themes are part of the story (2/5).
Based on this book's content report card and typical guidance by age. You know your reader best.
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From the publisher
Twelve-year-old Evie travels to Berlin for the 1936 Olympics where she witnesses Hitler's terror on the German people and plans to steal from a Nazi bank with two fellow Olympic athletes. Twelve-year-old Evie travels to Berlin for the 1936 Olympics where she witnesses Hitler's terror on the German people and plans to steal from a Nazi bank with two fellow Olympic athletes.
Shelved under
- Juvenile Fiction
- Young Adult
- War
- Adventure
- LGBTQ
- Children's fiction
ISBN 9781338736106 · Scholastic Press