War Games

In a smartly plotted page-turner by Gratz (Resist: A Story of D-Day), young athletes competing in the 1936 Berlin Olympics literally go for the gold upon becoming embroiled in a plot to rob the German national bank. Oklahoma gymnast Evie dreams of winning Olympic gold and pulling her family out of financial precarity. When she falls short of passing a qualifying round, she’s approached by unscrupulous, apparently British journalist Solomon, who proposes that Evie—alongside German weightlifter Karl and French diver Ursula—help him steal Nazi gold. Though their athletic capabilities seemingly guarantee they can overcome the Reichsbank’s security measures, the trio must first locate a secret tunnel beneath the Olympic stadium to facilitate the break-in, a task made harder by the watchful presence of Evie’s designated Youth Services Host Heinz, whom she believes is a Hitler Youth spy. Well-researched historical facts add tooth to this cinematic novel’s shocking twists and turns. Layered depictions of Nazi discrimination against Jewish, Black, and queer individuals—and how it impacts the story lines of Karl, who is gay, and biracial Ursula, who is Black and white—are a standout feature of this riveting adventure. An author’s note contextualizes included figures and events. Ages 9–12. (Oct.)