Overview

In Germany in 1938, playing and dancing to jazz music is forbidden. The Hitler Youth patrol the night streets looking for anyone who breaks the rules. Albert is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a secret group of young people who defy the Hitler Youth. They play the forbidden music and work against the Nazis any way they can. Albert's younger brother, Kurt, loves jazz and longs to be a Pirate, too. Although he's too young to be an Edelweiss Pirate, Kurt can still find a way to take a stand. ""[A]n inspiring story, enhanced by illustrations that suit it well.""—Chicago Jewish Star A powerful homage to young activists.""—Kirkus Reviews

Full Product Details

9781512483604

Table of Contents

Reviews

"-- (2/3/2018 12:00:00 AM) ""The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo"" - The Children's War -- (8/5/2018 12:00:00 AM)"

Edelweiss Pirates by JENNI-FER EINGREN, illustrated by DANIELA STAMATIADI, for ages 8 to 12. Kurt and his older brother Albert, who are not Jewish, live in Nazi Germany. Albert resists the Nazis through a group known as the Edelweiss Pirates (an actual resistance group), which Kurt, to his dismay, is too young to join. Both boys are musicians, and both enjoy forbidden music, namely, jazz, which they play and listen to any time they can. Kurt's best friend is Fritz, who is Jewish. When the boys can get together, they, too, like to play jazz, Kurt on his trumpet, Fritz on his saxophone. In school, Kurt is ashamed of himself for not standing up in class for Fritz. Then, at a school band concert, Kurt finds a way to resist and to stand up to the Nazis. It's an inspiring story, enhanced by illustrations that suit it well. - Chicago Jewish Star -- Newspaper (5/7/2018 12:00:00 AM) In a country where any form of resistance or rebellion against the repressive Nazi regime almost always meant certain death, most resisters and defiers went underground and worked from there. But one group that was more open in their defiance was the Edelweiss Pirates. This was loosely connected groups of youths throughout Germany who lived by their own moral code, refused to participate in the Hitler Youth, and continued to do things the way they wanted and that included swing dancing and listening to jazz, both of which were prohibited in Nazi Germany. Now, Jennifer Elvgren, who wrote the excellent book The Whispering Town, has successfully captured the rebellion of the Edelweiss Pirates in her new book. Taking place in 1938, and told in the first person present, it is the story of Kurt, the younger brother of Albert, a member of the Pirates. Kurt desperately wants to be just like his brother and join him with his friends swing dancing, listening to and playing the music of great jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. But as Albert sneaks out one night, he tells Kurt that he's too young and it's too dangerous - they could be arrested. Instead, Albert gives Kurt a Louis Armstrong album. That weekend, Kurt invites his Jewish friend Fritz to listen to the album with him. Fritz sneaks in through the same window Albert sneaks out of. The two boys are soon playing the music on the album by ear - Fritz on sax, Kurt on trumpet. At school, Kurt becomes more and more troubled as he sees anti-Semitic incidents directed at Fritz, but knows it is not the place challenge these acts. Instead he waits impatiently until he can be an Edelweiss Pirate like his brother - painting over swastikas and spreading around anti-Hitler leaflets. Even after witnessing Fritz being forced to read a story to the whole class that says the Jews are their enemy, Kurt still does nothing to help his friend. Then, the school concert comes around, and the students are supposed to play music by Hitler's favorite composer, Richard Wagner. With his parents sitting in the audience, there to hear him play his trumpet, Kurt thinks of all the humiliations he has seen Fritz subjected to and before he knows it, he has finally finds a way to declare his defiance by loudly playing Louis Armstrongs Saint Louis Blues instead, to the surprising accompaniment of Albert and the other Pirates, and even with some support from the audience, including his parents. Such acts of open defiance were dealt with harshly, and Kurt is aware of that, but it was worth the risk. The next morning he discovers a note with an Edelweiss pin from his brother. Kurt is finally a Pirate, with the code name Blues. The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo - The Children's War -- Blog (8/5/2018 12:00:00 AM) Jazz is strictly forbidden in 1938 Germany. German teenager Albert plays jazz clarinet with his group, the Edelweiss Pirates. They swing dance, listen to records of all the jazz artists, paint graffiti over swastikas on city walls, and hand out anti-Hitler leaflets, all in defiance of Hitler Youth, thugs dedicated to upholding the Nazi regime by intimidation and violence. Albert's younger brother, narrator Kurt, plays the trumpet, and his Jewish friend, Fritz, plays the saxophone, but Fritz must sneak into Kurt's house when they play jazz together. At school Kurt witnesses many anti-Semitic incidents directed against Fritz, but, although they disturb him greatly, he does nothing. But at the school band concert, where they must play Hitler's favorite composer, Wagner, Kurt raises his trumpet and plays Louie Armstrong's Saint Louis Blues loudly and defiantly. Albert's group comes swinging down the aisle and plays along with him. There may be serious consequences, but Kurt is now a full-fledged member of the Edelweiss Pirates. These anti-Nazi groups of teen jazz enthusiasts really existed, and their acts of sabotage plagued the Nazis throughout the war. By allowing Kurt to narrate the tale in the present tense, Elvgren makes the events personal and immediate for modern readers, who may have limited knowledge of the Holocaust and the war. Stamatiadi's striking, mostly earth-toned or shadowed illustrations focus on the characters' expressive faces and body stances. A powerful homage to young activists. (author's note) (Picture book. 8-12) - Kirkus Reviews -- Journal (2/3/2018 12:00:00 AM) Kurt's older brother, Albert, is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of young people who are dedicated to resisting Hitler's edicts. Hitler has outlawed jazz music, so the Edelweiss Pirates play it every chance they get. Kurt, who plays the trumpet, asks if he can join the group; Albert refuses but gives him a Louis Armstrong record, which Kurt and his Jewish classmate, Fritz, listen to so much, they can eventually play by ear. At school, Kurt witnesses Fritz's growing degradations. Finally, at the band concert, Kurt is instructed to play a piece by Wagner, Hitler's favorite composer. Instead, he breaks out with a riff on Armstrong's 'Saint Louis Blues.' After the concert, he receives a note from Albert with his new code name: 'Blues.' Kurt is finally a member of the Edelweiss Pirates. Like Elvgren's The Whispering Town (2014), this Jewish story is told from the perspective of non-Jews. The author uses music to demonstrate the increasing loss of freedom suffered during the Holocaust. Her book also weaves a tightly crafted narrative, using first-person point of view and present tense, based on the powerful picture-book formula of threes: Kurt asks to join the Pirates three times, and is shown learning three different subjects at school. The color palette and style of Stamatiadi's illustrations effectively evoke the 1930s. Back matter explains the real Edelweiss Pirates, a brave corps of some 5,000 teenagers who defied Nazi Germany and the Hitler Youth. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. - Jewish Book Council -- Website (6/19/2018 12:00:00 AM) Set in Germany in 1938, this story's young narrator, Kurt, longs to be an anti-Nazi activist like his older brother, who is a member of the resistance group, the Edelweiss Pirates. Their risky activities include distributing anti-Hitler leaflets, painting over Nazi symbols, and playing prohibited Jazz music. Kurt's brother insists Kurt is too young to join the group, so privately, Kurt and his Jewish best friend, Fritz, enjoy playing banned Louis Armstrong songs at home together. When Kurt witnesses the abuse Fritz suffers in school for being Jewish, he pulls off his own small, but significant, act of resistance that shows his solidarity to his friend and proves his courageousness to his brother. With warm illustrations in muted tones that wonderfully compliment the sense of the era, this powerful story illuminates a lesser known branch of Nazi dissenters, as well as the difference that one person's actions can make. An author's note further explains the historical facts of the Pirates and their efforts to help Jews.--Association of Jewish Libraries -- Magazine (11/12/2018 12:00:00 AM)

Set in Germany in 1938, this story's young narrator, Kurt, longs to be an anti-Nazi activist like his older brother, who is a member of the resistance group, the Edelweiss Pirates. Their risky activities include distributing anti-Hitler leaflets, painting over Nazi symbols, and playing prohibited Jazz music. Kurt's brother insists Kurt is too young to join the group, so privately, Kurt and his Jewish best friend, Fritz, enjoy playing banned Louis Armstrong songs at home together. When Kurt witnesses the abuse Fritz suffers in school for being Jewish, he pulls off his own small, but significant, act of resistance that shows his solidarity to his friend and proves his courageousness to his brother. With warm illustrations in muted tones that wonderfully compliment the sense of the era, this powerful story illuminates a lesser known branch of Nazi dissenters, as well as the difference that one person's actions can make. An author's note further explains the historical facts of the Pirates and their efforts to help Jews. --Association of Jewish Libraries --Magazine In a country where any form of resistance or rebellion against the repressive Nazi regime almost always meant certain death, most resisters and defiers went underground and worked from there. But one group that was more open in their defiance was the Edelweiss Pirates. This was loosely connected groups of youths throughout Germany who lived by their own moral code, refused to participate in the Hitler Youth, and continued to do things the way they wanted and that included swing dancing and listening to jazz, both of which were prohibited in Nazi Germany. Now, Jennifer Elvgren, who wrote the excellent book The Whispering Town, has successfully captured the rebellion of the Edelweiss Pirates in her new book. Taking place in 1938, and told in the first person present, it is the story of Kurt, the younger brother of Albert, a member of the Pirates. Kurt desperately wants to be just like his brother and join him with his friends swing dancing, listening to and playing the music of great jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. But as Albert sneaks out one night, he tells Kurt that he's too young and it's too dangerous - they could be arrested. Instead, Albert gives Kurt a Louis Armstrong album. That weekend, Kurt invites his Jewish friend Fritz to listen to the album with him. Fritz sneaks in through the same window Albert sneaks out of. The two boys are soon playing the music on the album by ear - Fritz on sax, Kurt on trumpet. At school, Kurt becomes more and more troubled as he sees anti-Semitic incidents directed at Fritz, but knows it is not the place challenge these acts. Instead he waits impatiently until he can be an Edelweiss Pirate like his brother - painting over swastikas and spreading around anti-Hitler leaflets. Even after witnessing Fritz being forced to read a story to the whole class that says the Jews are their enemy, Kurt still does nothing to help his friend. Then, the school concert comes around, and the students are supposed to play music by Hitler's favorite composer, Richard Wagner. With his parents sitting in the audience, there to hear him play his trumpet, Kurt thinks of all the humiliations he has seen Fritz subjected to and before he knows it, he has finally finds a way to declare his defiance by loudly playing Louis Armstrong s Saint Louis Blues instead, to the surprising accompaniment of Albert and the other Pirates, and even with some support from the audience, including his parents. Such acts of open defiance were dealt with harshly, and Kurt is aware of that, but it was worth the risk. The next morning he discovers a note with an Edelweiss pin from his brother. Kurt is finally a Pirate, with the code name Blues. The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo - The Children's War --Blog Jazz is strictly forbidden in 1938 Germany. German teenager Albert plays jazz clarinet with his group, the Edelweiss Pirates. They swing dance, listen to records of all the jazz artists, paint graffiti over swastikas on city walls, and hand out anti-Hitler leaflets, all in defiance of Hitler Youth, thugs dedicated to upholding the Nazi regime by intimidation and violence. Albert's younger brother, narrator Kurt, plays the trumpet, and his Jewish friend, Fritz, plays the saxophone, but Fritz must sneak into Kurt's house when they play jazz together. At school Kurt witnesses many anti-Semitic incidents directed against Fritz, but, although they disturb him greatly, he does nothing. But at the school band concert, where they must play Hitler's favorite composer, Wagner, Kurt raises his trumpet and plays Louie Armstrong's Saint Louis Blues loudly and defiantly. Albert's group comes swinging down the aisle and plays along with him. There may be serious consequences, but Kurt is now a full-fledged member of the Edelweiss Pirates. These anti-Nazi groups of teen jazz enthusiasts really existed, and their acts of sabotage plagued the Nazis throughout the war. By allowing Kurt to narrate the tale in the present tense, Elvgren makes the events personal and immediate for modern readers, who may have limited knowledge of the Holocaust and the war. Stamatiadi's striking, mostly earth-toned or shadowed illustrations focus on the characters' expressive faces and body stances. A powerful homage to young activists. (author's note) (Picture book. 8-12) - Kirkus Reviews --Journal Edelweiss Pirates by JENNI-FER EINGREN, illustrated by DANIELA STAMATIADI, for ages 8 to 12. Kurt and his older brother Albert, who are not Jewish, live in Nazi Germany. Albert resists the Nazis through a group known as the Edelweiss Pirates (an actual resistance group), which Kurt, to his dismay, is too young to join. Both boys are musicians, and both enjoy forbidden music, namely, jazz, which they play and listen to any time they can. Kurt's best friend is Fritz, who is Jewish. When the boys can get together, they, too, like to play jazz, Kurt on his trumpet, Fritz on his saxophone. In school, Kurt is ashamed of himself for not standing up in class for Fritz. Then, at a school band concert, Kurt finds a way to resist and to stand up to the Nazis. It's an inspiring story, enhanced by illustrations that suit it well. - Chicago Jewish Star --Newspaper Kurt's older brother, Albert, is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of young people who are dedicated to resisting Hitler's edicts. Hitler has outlawed jazz music, so the Edelweiss Pirates play it every chance they get. Kurt, who plays the trumpet, asks if he can join the group; Albert refuses but gives him a Louis Armstrong record, which Kurt and his Jewish classmate, Fritz, listen to so much, they can eventually play by ear. At school, Kurt witnesses Fritz's growing degradations. Finally, at the band concert, Kurt is instructed to play a piece by Wagner, Hitler's favorite composer. Instead, he breaks out with a riff on Armstrong's 'Saint Louis Blues.' After the concert, he receives a note from Albert with his new code name: 'Blues.' Kurt is finally a member of the Edelweiss Pirates. Like Elvgren's The Whispering Town (2014), this Jewish story is told from the perspective of non-Jews. The author uses music to demonstrate the increasing loss of freedom suffered during the Holocaust. Her book also weaves a tightly crafted narrative, using first-person point of view and present tense, based on the powerful picture-book formula of threes: Kurt asks to join the Pirates three times, and is shown learning three different subjects at school. The color palette and style of Stamatiadi's illustrations effectively evoke the 1930s. Back matter explains the real Edelweiss Pirates, a brave corps of some 5,000 teenagers who defied Nazi Germany and the Hitler Youth. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. - Jewish Book Council --Website

""The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo"" - The Children’s War

Set in Germany in 1938, this story's young narrator, Kurt, longs to be an anti-Nazi activist like his older brother, who is a member of the resistance group, the Edelweiss Pirates. Their risky activities include distributing anti-Hitler leaflets, painting over Nazi symbols, and playing prohibited Jazz music. Kurt's brother insists Kurt is too young to join the group, so privately, Kurt and his Jewish best friend, Fritz, enjoy playing banned Louis Armstrong songs at home together. When Kurt witnesses the abuse Fritz suffers in school for being Jewish, he pulls off his own small, but significant, act of resistance that shows his solidarity to his friend and proves his courageousness to his brother. With warm illustrations in muted tones that wonderfully compliment the sense of the era, this powerful story illuminates a lesser known branch of Nazi dissenters, as well as the difference that one person's actions can make. An author's note further explains the historical facts of the Pirates and their efforts to help Jews. --Association of Jewish Libraries --Magazine In a country where any form of resistance or rebellion against the repressive Nazi regime almost always meant certain death, most resisters and defiers went underground and worked from there. But one group that was more open in their defiance was the Edelweiss Pirates. This was loosely connected groups of youths throughout Germany who lived by their own moral code, refused to participate in the Hitler Youth, and continued to do things the way they wanted and that included swing dancing and listening to jazz, both of which were prohibited in Nazi Germany. Now, Jennifer Elvgren, who wrote the excellent book The Whispering Town, has successfully captured the rebellion of the Edelweiss Pirates in her new book. Taking place in 1938, and told in the first person present, it is the story of Kurt, the younger brother of Albert, a member of the Pirates. Kurt desperately wants to be just like his brother and join him with his friends swing dancing, listening to and playing the music of great jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. But as Albert sneaks out one night, he tells Kurt that he's too young and it's too dangerous - they could be arrested. Instead, Albert gives Kurt a Louis Armstrong album. That weekend, Kurt invites his Jewish friend Fritz to listen to the album with him. Fritz sneaks in through the same window Albert sneaks out of. The two boys are soon playing the music on the album by ear - Fritz on sax, Kurt on trumpet. At school, Kurt becomes more and more troubled as he sees anti-Semitic incidents directed at Fritz, but knows it is not the place challenge these acts. Instead he waits impatiently until he can be an Edelweiss Pirate like his brother - painting over swastikas and spreading around anti-Hitler leaflets. Even after witnessing Fritz being forced to read a story to the whole class that says the Jews are their enemy, Kurt still does nothing to help his friend. Then, the school concert comes around, and the students are supposed to play music by Hitler's favorite composer, Richard Wagner. With his parents sitting in the audience, there to hear him play his trumpet, Kurt thinks of all the humiliations he has seen Fritz subjected to and before he knows it, he has finally finds a way to declare his defiance by loudly playing Louis Armstrong s Saint Louis Blues instead, to the surprising accompaniment of Albert and the other Pirates, and even with some support from the audience, including his parents. Such acts of open defiance were dealt with harshly, and Kurt is aware of that, but it was worth the risk. The next morning he discovers a note with an Edelweiss pin from his brother. Kurt is finally a Pirate, with the code name Blues. The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo - The Children's War --Blog Edelweiss Pirates by JENNI-FER EINGREN, illustrated by DANIELA STAMATIADI, for ages 8 to 12. Kurt and his older brother Albert, who are not Jewish, live in Nazi Germany. Albert resists the Nazis through a group known as the Edelweiss Pirates (an actual resistance group), which Kurt, to his dismay, is too young to join. Both boys are musicians, and both enjoy forbidden music, namely, jazz, which they play and listen to any time they can. Kurt's best friend is Fritz, who is Jewish. When the boys can get together, they, too, like to play jazz, Kurt on his trumpet, Fritz on his saxophone. In school, Kurt is ashamed of himself for not standing up in class for Fritz. Then, at a school band concert, Kurt finds a way to resist and to stand up to the Nazis. It's an inspiring story, enhanced by illustrations that suit it well. - Chicago Jewish Star --Newspaper Jazz is strictly forbidden in 1938 Germany. German teenager Albert plays jazz clarinet with his group, the Edelweiss Pirates. They swing dance, listen to records of all the jazz artists, paint graffiti over swastikas on city walls, and hand out anti-Hitler leaflets, all in defiance of Hitler Youth, thugs dedicated to upholding the Nazi regime by intimidation and violence. Albert's younger brother, narrator Kurt, plays the trumpet, and his Jewish friend, Fritz, plays the saxophone, but Fritz must sneak into Kurt's house when they play jazz together. At school Kurt witnesses many anti-Semitic incidents directed against Fritz, but, although they disturb him greatly, he does nothing. But at the school band concert, where they must play Hitler's favorite composer, Wagner, Kurt raises his trumpet and plays Louie Armstrong's Saint Louis Blues loudly and defiantly. Albert's group comes swinging down the aisle and plays along with him. There may be serious consequences, but Kurt is now a full-fledged member of the Edelweiss Pirates. These anti-Nazi groups of teen jazz enthusiasts really existed, and their acts of sabotage plagued the Nazis throughout the war. By allowing Kurt to narrate the tale in the present tense, Elvgren makes the events personal and immediate for modern readers, who may have limited knowledge of the Holocaust and the war. Stamatiadi's striking, mostly earth-toned or shadowed illustrations focus on the characters' expressive faces and body stances. A powerful homage to young activists. (author's note) (Picture book. 8-12) - Kirkus Reviews --Journal Kurt's older brother, Albert, is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of young people who are dedicated to resisting Hitler's edicts. Hitler has outlawed jazz music, so the Edelweiss Pirates play it every chance they get. Kurt, who plays the trumpet, asks if he can join the group; Albert refuses but gives him a Louis Armstrong record, which Kurt and his Jewish classmate, Fritz, listen to so much, they can eventually play by ear. At school, Kurt witnesses Fritz's growing degradations. Finally, at the band concert, Kurt is instructed to play a piece by Wagner, Hitler's favorite composer. Instead, he breaks out with a riff on Armstrong's 'Saint Louis Blues.' After the concert, he receives a note from Albert with his new code name: 'Blues.' Kurt is finally a member of the Edelweiss Pirates. Like Elvgren's The Whispering Town (2014), this Jewish story is told from the perspective of non-Jews. The author uses music to demonstrate the increasing loss of freedom suffered during the Holocaust. Her book also weaves a tightly crafted narrative, using first-person point of view and present tense, based on the powerful picture-book formula of threes: Kurt asks to join the Pirates three times, and is shown learning three different subjects at school. The color palette and style of Stamatiadi's illustrations effectively evoke the 1930s. Back matter explains the real Edelweiss Pirates, a brave corps of some 5,000 teenagers who defied Nazi Germany and the Hitler Youth. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. - Jewish Book Council --Website

Set in Germany in 1938, this story's young narrator, Kurt, longs to be an anti-Nazi activist like his older brother, who is a member of the resistance group, the Edelweiss Pirates. Their risky activities include distributing anti-Hitler leaflets, painting over Nazi symbols, and playing prohibited Jazz music. Kurt's brother insists Kurt is too young to join the group, so privately, Kurt and his Jewish best friend, Fritz, enjoy playing banned Louis Armstrong songs at home together. When Kurt witnesses the abuse Fritz suffers in school for being Jewish, he pulls off his own small, but significant, act of resistance that shows his solidarity to his friend and proves his courageousness to his brother. With warm illustrations in muted tones that wonderfully compliment the sense of the era, this powerful story illuminates a lesser known branch of Nazi dissenters, as well as the difference that one person's actions can make. An author's note further explains the historical facts of the Pirates and their efforts to help Jews. --Association of Jewish Libraries --Magazine In a country where any form of resistance or rebellion against the repressive Nazi regime almost always meant certain death, most resisters and defiers went underground and worked from there. But one group that was more open in their defiance was the Edelweiss Pirates. This was loosely connected groups of youths throughout Germany who lived by their own moral code, refused to participate in the Hitler Youth, and continued to do things the way they wanted and that included swing dancing and listening to jazz, both of which were prohibited in Nazi Germany. Now, Jennifer Elvgren, who wrote the excellent book The Whispering Town, has successfully captured the rebellion of the Edelweiss Pirates in her new book. Taking place in 1938, and told in the first person present, it is the story of Kurt, the younger brother of Albert, a member of the Pirates. Kurt desperately wants to be just like his brother and join him with his friends swing dancing, listening to and playing the music of great jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. But as Albert sneaks out one night, he tells Kurt that he's too young and it's too dangerous - they could be arrested. Instead, Albert gives Kurt a Louis Armstrong album. That weekend, Kurt invites his Jewish friend Fritz to listen to the album with him. Fritz sneaks in through the same window Albert sneaks out of. The two boys are soon playing the music on the album by ear - Fritz on sax, Kurt on trumpet. At school, Kurt becomes more and more troubled as he sees anti-Semitic incidents directed at Fritz, but knows it is not the place challenge these acts. Instead he waits impatiently until he can be an Edelweiss Pirate like his brother - painting over swastikas and spreading around anti-Hitler leaflets. Even after witnessing Fritz being forced to read a story to the whole class that says the Jews are their enemy, Kurt still does nothing to help his friend. Then, the school concert comes around, and the students are supposed to play music by Hitler's favorite composer, Richard Wagner. With his parents sitting in the audience, there to hear him play his trumpet, Kurt thinks of all the humiliations he has seen Fritz subjected to and before he knows it, he has finally finds a way to declare his defiance by loudly playing Louis Armstrong s Saint Louis Blues instead, to the surprising accompaniment of Albert and the other Pirates, and even with some support from the audience, including his parents. Such acts of open defiance were dealt with harshly, and Kurt is aware of that, but it was worth the risk. The next morning he discovers a note with an Edelweiss pin from his brother. Kurt is finally a Pirate, with the code name Blues. The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo - The Children's War --Blog Kurt's older brother, Albert, is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of young people who are dedicated to resisting Hitler's edicts. Hitler has outlawed jazz music, so the Edelweiss Pirates play it every chance they get. Kurt, who plays the trumpet, asks if he can join the group; Albert refuses but gives him a Louis Armstrong record, which Kurt and his Jewish classmate, Fritz, listen to so much, they can eventually play by ear. At school, Kurt witnesses Fritz's growing degradations. Finally, at the band concert, Kurt is instructed to play a piece by Wagner, Hitler's favorite composer. Instead, he breaks out with a riff on Armstrong's 'Saint Louis Blues.' After the concert, he receives a note from Albert with his new code name: 'Blues.' Kurt is finally a member of the Edelweiss Pirates. Like Elvgren's The Whispering Town (2014), this Jewish story is told from the perspective of non-Jews. The author uses music to demonstrate the increasing loss of freedom suffered during the Holocaust. Her book also weaves a tightly crafted narrative, using first-person point of view and present tense, based on the powerful picture-book formula of threes: Kurt asks to join the Pirates three times, and is shown learning three different subjects at school. The color palette and style of Stamatiadi's illustrations effectively evoke the 1930s. Back matter explains the real Edelweiss Pirates, a brave corps of some 5,000 teenagers who defied Nazi Germany and the Hitler Youth. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. - Jewish Book Council --Website Edelweiss Pirates by JENNI-FER EINGREN, illustrated by DANIELA STAMATIADI, for ages 8 to 12. Kurt and his older brother Albert, who are not Jewish, live in Nazi Germany. Albert resists the Nazis through a group known as the Edelweiss Pirates (an actual resistance group), which Kurt, to his dismay, is too young to join. Both boys are musicians, and both enjoy forbidden music, namely, jazz, which they play and listen to any time they can. Kurt's best friend is Fritz, who is Jewish. When the boys can get together, they, too, like to play jazz, Kurt on his trumpet, Fritz on his saxophone. In school, Kurt is ashamed of himself for not standing up in class for Fritz. Then, at a school band concert, Kurt finds a way to resist and to stand up to the Nazis. It's an inspiring story, enhanced by illustrations that suit it well. - Chicago Jewish Star --Newspaper Jazz is strictly forbidden in 1938 Germany. German teenager Albert plays jazz clarinet with his group, the Edelweiss Pirates. They swing dance, listen to records of all the jazz artists, paint graffiti over swastikas on city walls, and hand out anti-Hitler leaflets, all in defiance of Hitler Youth, thugs dedicated to upholding the Nazi regime by intimidation and violence. Albert's younger brother, narrator Kurt, plays the trumpet, and his Jewish friend, Fritz, plays the saxophone, but Fritz must sneak into Kurt's house when they play jazz together. At school Kurt witnesses many anti-Semitic incidents directed against Fritz, but, although they disturb him greatly, he does nothing. But at the school band concert, where they must play Hitler's favorite composer, Wagner, Kurt raises his trumpet and plays Louie Armstrong's Saint Louis Blues loudly and defiantly. Albert's group comes swinging down the aisle and plays along with him. There may be serious consequences, but Kurt is now a full-fledged member of the Edelweiss Pirates. These anti-Nazi groups of teen jazz enthusiasts really existed, and their acts of sabotage plagued the Nazis throughout the war. By allowing Kurt to narrate the tale in the present tense, Elvgren makes the events personal and immediate for modern readers, who may have limited knowledge of the Holocaust and the war. Stamatiadi's striking, mostly earth-toned or shadowed illustrations focus on the characters' expressive faces and body stances. A powerful homage to young activists. (author's note) (Picture book. 8-12) - Kirkus Reviews --Journal

Kurt's older brother, Albert, is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of young people who are dedicated to resisting Hitler's edicts. Hitler has outlawed jazz music, so the Edelweiss Pirates play it every chance they get. Kurt, who plays the trumpet, asks if he can join the group; Albert refuses but gives him a Louis Armstrong record, which Kurt and his Jewish classmate, Fritz, listen to so much, they can eventually play by ear. At school, Kurt witnesses Fritz's growing degradations. Finally, at the band concert, Kurt is instructed to play a piece by Wagner, Hitler's favorite composer. Instead, he breaks out with a riff on Armstrong's 'Saint Louis Blues.' After the concert, he receives a note from Albert with his new code name: 'Blues.' Kurt is finally a member of the Edelweiss Pirates. Like Elvgren's The Whispering Town (2014), this Jewish story is told from the perspective of non-Jews. The author uses music to demonstrate the increasing loss of freedom suffered during the Holocaust. Her book also weaves a tightly crafted narrative, using first-person point of view and present tense, based on the powerful picture-book formula of threes: Kurt asks to join the Pirates three times, and is shown learning three different subjects at school. The color palette and style of Stamatiadi's illustrations effectively evoke the 1930s. Back matter explains the real Edelweiss Pirates, a brave corps of some 5,000 teenagers who defied Nazi Germany and the Hitler Youth. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. - Jewish Book Council --Website Jazz is strictly forbidden in 1938 Germany. German teenager Albert plays jazz clarinet with his group, the Edelweiss Pirates. They swing dance, listen to records of all the jazz artists, paint graffiti over swastikas on city walls, and hand out anti-Hitler leaflets, all in defiance of Hitler Youth, thugs dedicated to upholding the Nazi regime by intimidation and violence. Albert's younger brother, narrator Kurt, plays the trumpet, and his Jewish friend, Fritz, plays the saxophone, but Fritz must sneak into Kurt's house when they play jazz together. At school Kurt witnesses many anti-Semitic incidents directed against Fritz, but, although they disturb him greatly, he does nothing. But at the school band concert, where they must play Hitler's favorite composer, Wagner, Kurt raises his trumpet and plays Louie Armstrong's Saint Louis Blues loudly and defiantly. Albert's group comes swinging down the aisle and plays along with him. There may be serious consequences, but Kurt is now a full-fledged member of the Edelweiss Pirates. These anti-Nazi groups of teen jazz enthusiasts really existed, and their acts of sabotage plagued the Nazis throughout the war. By allowing Kurt to narrate the tale in the present tense, Elvgren makes the events personal and immediate for modern readers, who may have limited knowledge of the Holocaust and the war. Stamatiadi's striking, mostly earth-toned or shadowed illustrations focus on the characters' expressive faces and body stances. A powerful homage to young activists. (author's note) (Picture book. 8-12) - Kirkus Reviews --Journal Edelweiss Pirates by JENNI-FER EINGREN, illustrated by DANIELA STAMATIADI, for ages 8 to 12. Kurt and his older brother Albert, who are not Jewish, live in Nazi Germany. Albert resists the Nazis through a group known as the Edelweiss Pirates (an actual resistance group), which Kurt, to his dismay, is too young to join. Both boys are musicians, and both enjoy forbidden music, namely, jazz, which they play and listen to any time they can. Kurt's best friend is Fritz, who is Jewish. When the boys can get together, they, too, like to play jazz, Kurt on his trumpet, Fritz on his saxophone. In school, Kurt is ashamed of himself for not standing up in class for Fritz. Then, at a school band concert, Kurt finds a way to resist and to stand up to the Nazis. It's an inspiring story, enhanced by illustrations that suit it well. - Chicago Jewish Star --Newspaper In a country where any form of resistance or rebellion against the repressive Nazi regime almost always meant certain death, most resisters and defiers went underground and worked from there. But one group that was more open in their defiance was the Edelweiss Pirates. This was loosely connected groups of youths throughout Germany who lived by their own moral code, refused to participate in the Hitler Youth, and continued to do things the way they wanted and that included swing dancing and listening to jazz, both of which were prohibited in Nazi Germany. Now, Jennifer Elvgren, who wrote the excellent book The Whispering Town, has successfully captured the rebellion of the Edelweiss Pirates in her new book. Taking place in 1938, and told in the first person present, it is the story of Kurt, the younger brother of Albert, a member of the Pirates. Kurt desperately wants to be just like his brother and join him with his friends swing dancing, listening to and playing the music of great jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. But as Albert sneaks out one night, he tells Kurt that he's too young and it's too dangerous - they could be arrested. Instead, Albert gives Kurt a Louis Armstrong album. That weekend, Kurt invites his Jewish friend Fritz to listen to the album with him. Fritz sneaks in through the same window Albert sneaks out of. The two boys are soon playing the music on the album by ear - Fritz on sax, Kurt on trumpet. At school, Kurt becomes more and more troubled as he sees anti-Semitic incidents directed at Fritz, but knows it is not the place challenge these acts. Instead he waits impatiently until he can be an Edelweiss Pirate like his brother - painting over swastikas and spreading around anti-Hitler leaflets. Even after witnessing Fritz being forced to read a story to the whole class that says the Jews are their enemy, Kurt still does nothing to help his friend. Then, the school concert comes around, and the students are supposed to play music by Hitler's favorite composer, Richard Wagner. With his parents sitting in the audience, there to hear him play his trumpet, Kurt thinks of all the humiliations he has seen Fritz subjected to and before he knows it, he has finally finds a way to declare his defiance by loudly playing Louis Armstrong s Saint Louis Blues instead, to the surprising accompaniment of Albert and the other Pirates, and even with some support from the audience, including his parents. Such acts of open defiance were dealt with harshly, and Kurt is aware of that, but it was worth the risk. The next morning he discovers a note with an Edelweiss pin from his brother. Kurt is finally a Pirate, with the code name Blues. The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo - The Children's War --Blog

Set in Germany in 1938, this story's young narrator, Kurt, longs to be an anti-Nazi activist like his older brother, who is a member of the resistance group, the Edelweiss Pirates. Their risky activities include distributing anti-Hitler leaflets, painting over Nazi symbols, and playing prohibited Jazz music. Kurt's brother insists Kurt is too young to join the group, so privately, Kurt and his Jewish best friend, Fritz, enjoy playing banned Louis Armstrong songs at home together. When Kurt witnesses the abuse Fritz suffers in school for being Jewish, he pulls off his own small, but significant, act of resistance that shows his solidarity to his friend and proves his courageousness to his brother. With warm illustrations in muted tones that wonderfully compliment the sense of the era, this powerful story illuminates a lesser known branch of Nazi dissenters, as well as the difference that one person's actions can make. An author's note further explains the historical facts of the Pirates and their efforts to help Jews. --Association of Jewish Libraries --Magazine In a country where any form of resistance or rebellion against the repressive Nazi regime almost always meant certain death, most resisters and defiers went underground and worked from there. But one group that was more open in their defiance was the Edelweiss Pirates. This was loosely connected groups of youths throughout Germany who lived by their own moral code, refused to participate in the Hitler Youth, and continued to do things the way they wanted and that included swing dancing and listening to jazz, both of which were prohibited in Nazi Germany. Now, Jennifer Elvgren, who wrote the excellent book The Whispering Town, has successfully captured the rebellion of the Edelweiss Pirates in her new book. Taking place in 1938, and told in the first person present, it is the story of Kurt, the younger brother of Albert, a member of the Pirates. Kurt desperately wants to be just like his brother and join him with his friends swing dancing, listening to and playing the music of great jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. But as Albert sneaks out one night, he tells Kurt that he's too young and it's too dangerous - they could be arrested. Instead, Albert gives Kurt a Louis Armstrong album. That weekend, Kurt invites his Jewish friend Fritz to listen to the album with him. Fritz sneaks in through the same window Albert sneaks out of. The two boys are soon playing the music on the album by ear - Fritz on sax, Kurt on trumpet. At school, Kurt becomes more and more troubled as he sees anti-Semitic incidents directed at Fritz, but knows it is not the place challenge these acts. Instead he waits impatiently until he can be an Edelweiss Pirate like his brother - painting over swastikas and spreading around anti-Hitler leaflets. Even after witnessing Fritz being forced to read a story to the whole class that says the Jews are their enemy, Kurt still does nothing to help his friend. Then, the school concert comes around, and the students are supposed to play music by Hitler's favorite composer, Richard Wagner. With his parents sitting in the audience, there to hear him play his trumpet, Kurt thinks of all the humiliations he has seen Fritz subjected to and before he knows it, he has finally finds a way to declare his defiance by loudly playing Louis Armstrong s Saint Louis Blues instead, to the surprising accompaniment of Albert and the other Pirates, and even with some support from the audience, including his parents. Such acts of open defiance were dealt with harshly, and Kurt is aware of that, but it was worth the risk. The next morning he discovers a note with an Edelweiss pin from his brother. Kurt is finally a Pirate, with the code name Blues. The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo - The Children's War --Blog Edelweiss Pirates by JENNI-FER EINGREN, illustrated by DANIELA STAMATIADI, for ages 8 to 12. Kurt and his older brother Albert, who are not Jewish, live in Nazi Germany. Albert resists the Nazis through a group known as the Edelweiss Pirates (an actual resistance group), which Kurt, to his dismay, is too young to join. Both boys are musicians, and both enjoy forbidden music, namely, jazz, which they play and listen to any time they can. Kurt's best friend is Fritz, who is Jewish. When the boys can get together, they, too, like to play jazz, Kurt on his trumpet, Fritz on his saxophone. In school, Kurt is ashamed of himself for not standing up in class for Fritz. Then, at a school band concert, Kurt finds a way to resist and to stand up to the Nazis. It's an inspiring story, enhanced by illustrations that suit it well. - Chicago Jewish Star --Newspaper Kurt's older brother, Albert, is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of young people who are dedicated to resisting Hitler's edicts. Hitler has outlawed jazz music, so the Edelweiss Pirates play it every chance they get. Kurt, who plays the trumpet, asks if he can join the group; Albert refuses but gives him a Louis Armstrong record, which Kurt and his Jewish classmate, Fritz, listen to so much, they can eventually play by ear. At school, Kurt witnesses Fritz's growing degradations. Finally, at the band concert, Kurt is instructed to play a piece by Wagner, Hitler's favorite composer. Instead, he breaks out with a riff on Armstrong's 'Saint Louis Blues.' After the concert, he receives a note from Albert with his new code name: 'Blues.' Kurt is finally a member of the Edelweiss Pirates. Like Elvgren's The Whispering Town (2014), this Jewish story is told from the perspective of non-Jews. The author uses music to demonstrate the increasing loss of freedom suffered during the Holocaust. Her book also weaves a tightly crafted narrative, using first-person point of view and present tense, based on the powerful picture-book formula of threes: Kurt asks to join the Pirates three times, and is shown learning three different subjects at school. The color palette and style of Stamatiadi's illustrations effectively evoke the 1930s. Back matter explains the real Edelweiss Pirates, a brave corps of some 5,000 teenagers who defied Nazi Germany and the Hitler Youth. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. - Jewish Book Council --Website Jazz is strictly forbidden in 1938 Germany. German teenager Albert plays jazz clarinet with his group, the Edelweiss Pirates. They swing dance, listen to records of all the jazz artists, paint graffiti over swastikas on city walls, and hand out anti-Hitler leaflets, all in defiance of Hitler Youth, thugs dedicated to upholding the Nazi regime by intimidation and violence. Albert's younger brother, narrator Kurt, plays the trumpet, and his Jewish friend, Fritz, plays the saxophone, but Fritz must sneak into Kurt's house when they play jazz together. At school Kurt witnesses many anti-Semitic incidents directed against Fritz, but, although they disturb him greatly, he does nothing. But at the school band concert, where they must play Hitler's favorite composer, Wagner, Kurt raises his trumpet and plays Louie Armstrong's Saint Louis Blues loudly and defiantly. Albert's group comes swinging down the aisle and plays along with him. There may be serious consequences, but Kurt is now a full-fledged member of the Edelweiss Pirates. These anti-Nazi groups of teen jazz enthusiasts really existed, and their acts of sabotage plagued the Nazis throughout the war. By allowing Kurt to narrate the tale in the present tense, Elvgren makes the events personal and immediate for modern readers, who may have limited knowledge of the Holocaust and the war. Stamatiadi's striking, mostly earth-toned or shadowed illustrations focus on the characters' expressive faces and body stances. A powerful homage to young activists. (author's note) (Picture book. 8-12) - Kirkus Reviews --Journal

Edelweiss Pirates by JENNI-FER EINGREN, illustrated by DANIELA STAMATIADI, for ages 8 to 12. Kurt and his older brother Albert, who are not Jewish, live in Nazi Germany. Albert resists the Nazis through a group known as the Edelweiss Pirates (an actual resistance group), which Kurt, to his dismay, is too young to join. Both boys are musicians, and both enjoy forbidden music, namely, jazz, which they play and listen to any time they can. Kurt's best friend is Fritz, who is Jewish. When the boys can get together, they, too, like to play jazz, Kurt on his trumpet, Fritz on his saxophone. In school, Kurt is ashamed of himself for not standing up in class for Fritz. Then, at a school band concert, Kurt finds a way to resist and to stand up to the Nazis. It's an inspiring story, enhanced by illustrations that suit it well. - Chicago Jewish Star --Newspaper Kurt's older brother, Albert, is a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a group of young people who are dedicated to resisting Hitler's edicts. Hitler has outlawed jazz music, so the Edelweiss Pirates play it every chance they get. Kurt, who plays the trumpet, asks if he can join the group; Albert refuses but gives him a Louis Armstrong record, which Kurt and his Jewish classmate, Fritz, listen to so much, they can eventually play by ear. At school, Kurt witnesses Fritz's growing degradations. Finally, at the band concert, Kurt is instructed to play a piece by Wagner, Hitler's favorite composer. Instead, he breaks out with a riff on Armstrong's 'Saint Louis Blues.' After the concert, he receives a note from Albert with his new code name: 'Blues.' Kurt is finally a member of the Edelweiss Pirates. Like Elvgren's The Whispering Town (2014), this Jewish story is told from the perspective of non-Jews. The author uses music to demonstrate the increasing loss of freedom suffered during the Holocaust. Her book also weaves a tightly crafted narrative, using first-person point of view and present tense, based on the powerful picture-book formula of threes: Kurt asks to join the Pirates three times, and is shown learning three different subjects at school. The color palette and style of Stamatiadi's illustrations effectively evoke the 1930s. Back matter explains the real Edelweiss Pirates, a brave corps of some 5,000 teenagers who defied Nazi Germany and the Hitler Youth. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. - Jewish Book Council --Website Jazz is strictly forbidden in 1938 Germany. German teenager Albert plays jazz clarinet with his group, the Edelweiss Pirates. They swing dance, listen to records of all the jazz artists, paint graffiti over swastikas on city walls, and hand out anti-Hitler leaflets, all in defiance of Hitler Youth, thugs dedicated to upholding the Nazi regime by intimidation and violence. Albert's younger brother, narrator Kurt, plays the trumpet, and his Jewish friend, Fritz, plays the saxophone, but Fritz must sneak into Kurt's house when they play jazz together. At school Kurt witnesses many anti-Semitic incidents directed against Fritz, but, although they disturb him greatly, he does nothing. But at the school band concert, where they must play Hitler's favorite composer, Wagner, Kurt raises his trumpet and plays Louie Armstrong's Saint Louis Blues loudly and defiantly. Albert's group comes swinging down the aisle and plays along with him. There may be serious consequences, but Kurt is now a full-fledged member of the Edelweiss Pirates. These anti-Nazi groups of teen jazz enthusiasts really existed, and their acts of sabotage plagued the Nazis throughout the war. By allowing Kurt to narrate the tale in the present tense, Elvgren makes the events personal and immediate for modern readers, who may have limited knowledge of the Holocaust and the war. Stamatiadi's striking, mostly earth-toned or shadowed illustrations focus on the characters' expressive faces and body stances. A powerful homage to young activists. (author's note) (Picture book. 8-12) - Kirkus Reviews --Journal In a country where any form of resistance or rebellion against the repressive Nazi regime almost always meant certain death, most resisters and defiers went underground and worked from there. But one group that was more open in their defiance was the Edelweiss Pirates. This was loosely connected groups of youths throughout Germany who lived by their own moral code, refused to participate in the Hitler Youth, and continued to do things the way they wanted and that included swing dancing and listening to jazz, both of which were prohibited in Nazi Germany. Now, Jennifer Elvgren, who wrote the excellent book The Whispering Town, has successfully captured the rebellion of the Edelweiss Pirates in her new book. Taking place in 1938, and told in the first person present, it is the story of Kurt, the younger brother of Albert, a member of the Pirates. Kurt desperately wants to be just like his brother and join him with his friends swing dancing, listening to and playing the music of great jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. But as Albert sneaks out one night, he tells Kurt that he's too young and it's too dangerous - they could be arrested. Instead, Albert gives Kurt a Louis Armstrong album. That weekend, Kurt invites his Jewish friend Fritz to listen to the album with him. Fritz sneaks in through the same window Albert sneaks out of. The two boys are soon playing the music on the album by ear - Fritz on sax, Kurt on trumpet. At school, Kurt becomes more and more troubled as he sees anti-Semitic incidents directed at Fritz, but knows it is not the place challenge these acts. Instead he waits impatiently until he can be an Edelweiss Pirate like his brother - painting over swastikas and spreading around anti-Hitler leaflets. Even after witnessing Fritz being forced to read a story to the whole class that says the Jews are their enemy, Kurt still does nothing to help his friend. Then, the school concert comes around, and the students are supposed to play music by Hitler's favorite composer, Richard Wagner. With his parents sitting in the audience, there to hear him play his trumpet, Kurt thinks of all the humiliations he has seen Fritz subjected to and before he knows it, he has finally finds a way to declare his defiance by loudly playing Louis Armstrong s Saint Louis Blues instead, to the surprising accompaniment of Albert and the other Pirates, and even with some support from the audience, including his parents. Such acts of open defiance were dealt with harshly, and Kurt is aware of that, but it was worth the risk. The next morning he discovers a note with an Edelweiss pin from his brother. Kurt is finally a Pirate, with the code name Blues. The Edelweiss Pirates is indeed an interesting look at a group of resisters that most people have never really heard of, and although they didn't start out as saboteurs, by 1938, they were beginning to increase their subversive acts against the Nazis. I liked that the story was told from Kurt's point of view. This coming of age story allows his frustration at not being able to protest the things he is seeing to grow until he must take a stand, even at the risk of severe punishment at school, and possibly at home. Stamatiadi's earth-toned illustrations are simple, but never let the reader forget that they are reading a book that is set in Nazi Germany by including the symbols of that regime throughout, including the required picture of Hitler in the classroom. At a time when most people were afraid to speak out against the injustices and cruelties they were witnessing on a daily basis, Kurt is an inspiring character, finding his voice and means to protest. This is indeed a picture book for older readers that should resonate with strongly with them even today. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the back of the book to learn more about the history of the Edelweiss Pirates. You'll also see that there aren't any recommendations for age appropriate further reading on this topic because there simply wasn't anything until The Edelweiss Pirates was published. This book is recommended for readers age 8+ This book was obtained from the author at BookExpo - The Children's War --Blog

Author Information

Jennifer Elvgren, award-winning author of The Whispering Town and Josias, Hold the Book, is a former print journalist who finds her story ideas in real life. She lives in Albemarle County, Virginia. With her husband, three children Caspian the border collie, Copperfield the foxhound, and Goodnight Moon the American quarter horse. Daniela Stamatiadi is a graduate of the Athens School of Fine Arts and the illustrator of more than 100 books. In addition to teaching visual arts in private colleges, she also paints and illustrates. She lives in Athens, Greece.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available