Escape From War (My Side of the Story) - Softcover

Gr. 4-6. In parallel narratives Riordan recounts the intersecting stories of Frank, an English boy, and Hannah, a German Jewish refugee, as they endure the hardships of World War II. Frank and his sister, Violet, are evacuated from London to the countryside to stay with widow Pittaway, who has also taken in Hannah, a Kindertransport participant. Riordan successfully portrays the historical period from two sides, although a major discrepancy in views comes from Frank's misunderstanding of Hannah's situation (and some latent anti-Semitism) rather than any real difference of opinion. Rather than character driven, the story seems meant to acquaint readers with the major events of World War II in Europe; indeed, Frank and Hannah could easily represent any number of children of their generation. The instruction to read Frank's version of events first is quite helpful; his story intentionally leaves holes in the narrative that make Hannah's recitation fresher and more interesting. A good choice for history students or for English classes studying point of view. Kay Weisman
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