Awards

• Commended for Sydney Taylor Book Award (Young Adult) 2021

Overview

In the rubble of a broken continent, a girl must solve a mystery whose answers could rebuild her family--or break her completely, in this New York Times bestselling, critically acclaimed tour de force historical novel from Monica Hesse, author of Girl in the Blue Coat. Germany, 1945. The soldiers who liberated the Gross-Rosen concentration camp say the war is over, but nothing feels over to eighteen-year-old Zofia Lederman. Her body has barely begun to heal, her mind feels broken. And her life is completely shattered: Three years ago, she and her younger brother, Abek, were the only members of their family to be sent to the right, away from the gas chambers of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Everyone else--her parents, her grandmother, radiant Aunt Maja--they went left. Zofia's last words to her brother were a promise: Abek to Zofia, A to Z. When I find you again, we will fill our alphabet. Now her journey to fulfill that vow takes her through Poland and Germany, into a displaced persons camp where everyone she meets is trying to piece together a future from a painful past: Miriam, desperately searching for the twin she was separated from after they survived medical experimentation. Breine, a former heiress, who now longs only for a simple wedding with her new fiancé. And Josef, who guards his past behind a wall of secrets, and is beautiful and strange and magnetic all at once. But the deeper Zofia digs, the more impossible her search seems. How can she find one boy in a sea of the missing?

Full Product Details

9780316490573

Table of Contents

Reviews

Rich in content and emotion, this is a first-rate companion to the historical tales of the onderduikers, the hidden Jews of Holland, and a compelling read. --Kirkus Reviews * A poignant, wonderfully crafted story of love and loss, courage and redemption. --Shelf Awareness (starred review) * Riveting.... A gripping historical mystery. --Publishers Weekly (starred review) Taut and intelligent.... the historical setting is rendered the way only an expert can do it. --Washington Post In an occupied city, a young woman's daring transforms into true courage when she confronts a mystifying disappearance. From page one, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Enthralling. --Judy Blundell, New York Times bestselling author of Strings Attached and the National Book Award-winning What I Saw and How I Lied Praise for Girl in the Blue Coat The Edgar Award Winner for Best Young Adult Mystery Novel 2017 A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens of 2016 An Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2016 A Booklist Best Young Adult Book of 2016 A Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Selection 2017 A 2017 Indies Choice Awards Finalist for Best Young Adult Book A YALSA 2017 Best Book for Young Adults A 2017 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year A 2017 Wyoming Soaring Eagle Book Award Nominee A 2017 Washington, D.C. Capitol Choices List recommended title A 2018 Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award Nominee 2018 All Iowa Young Adults Read Hesse's books are like time machines--vehicles that help us explore our past. --Mashable Monica Hesse's The War Outside pierces the heart with its exceptional story of family, friends and country...Riveting and meticulously researched, this story reverberates with authentic voices as it explores adolescent growth under dreadful circumstances. --BookPage * Keeps readers guessing through the final pages. --BCCB, starred review Select Praise for The War Outside A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018A 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults PickA 2018 BCCB Bulletin Blue Ribbon TitleA 2019 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People Once again, Monica Hesse delivers an incredibly compelling and beautifully researched novel. The War Outside vividly brings readers into an underrepresented and dark period of American history. A must-read for fans of historical fiction. --Ruta Sepetys, #1 New York Times bestselling author This heartbreaking story of terror and loss sweeps you into a time-is-running-out mystery that delivers plot twists and a shocking final punch that'll haunt you for days. --Justine Magazine The themes of love, betrayal, heroism, social responsibility, and atonement are beautifully intertwined with well-developed characters and a compelling story line. Thoroughly researched, this work brings history alive in a clear and concise way that rings true. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially stories set during World War II. --School Library Journal [An] intelligent and humane historical mystery. --The Wall Street Journal * This fast-paced story is alternately touching, heart-pounding and wrenching--but always gripping...a heartrending, moving story. --VOYA (starred review) * [An] affecting novel...that skillfully combines reality with fiction. Her characters come alive, and...Hesse's pacing infuses her story with thriller suspense, enriching the narrative with dramatic surprises both small and large. --Booklist (starred review) It's no small feat to bring the past to life, especially a history as dark and desperate as World War II. Monica Hesse does just this with Hanneke's story. Brace yourself, dear reader, to have your heart bruised--and possibly even broken--in the most meaningful of ways. --Ryan Graudin, author of The Walled City and Wolf by Wolf A tapestry of guilt and acceptance, growing responsibility, and reluctant heroism, Hanneke's coming-of-age under heartbreaking circumstances is a jarring reminder of how war consumes and transforms the passions of ordinary life. Every devastating moment of this beautiful novel is both poignant and powerful, and every word feels true. --Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of Black Dove, White Raven; Rose Under Fire; and the Printz Honor-winning Code Name Verity I did not expect this book to knock me off my feet with its lyrical brilliance, vivid storyline, and heart wrenching ending. Let's just say, if all historical fiction was like this book, it'd be my most-read genre. --Book Riot Timely...[Hesse] again uses a well-researched historical backdrop to tell a powerful coming-of-age story. --Washington Post * Teens and adults interested in WWII books, especially situations that haven't been written about extensively, will want to experience this story. --SLC, starred review * A moving book that successfully describes an unjust aspect of U.S. History --Publishers Weekly, starred review * An extraordinary novel of injustice and xenophobia based on real history. --Booklist, starred review Monica Hesse takes a setting we think we understand and shifts it in an important way...a tightly plotted exploration of the consequences of fear. --The New York Times Book Review * Superb.... A satisfying and bittersweet novel, perfect for those who enjoyed Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. --SLJ, starred review

This heartbreaking story of terror and loss sweeps you into a time-is-running-out mystery that delivers plot twists and a shocking final punch that'll haunt you for days. --Justine Magazine Rich in content and emotion, this is a first-rate companion to the historical tales of the onderduikers, the hidden Jews of Holland, and a compelling read. --Kirkus Reviews The themes of love, betrayal, heroism, social responsibility, and atonement are beautifully intertwined with well-developed characters and a compelling story line. Thoroughly researched, this work brings history alive in a clear and concise way that rings true. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially stories set during World War II. --School Library Journal [An] intelligent and humane historical mystery. --The Wall Street Journal * A poignant, wonderfully crafted story of love and loss, courage and redemption. --Shelf Awareness (starred review) * This fast-paced story is alternately touching, heart-pounding and wrenching--but always gripping...a heartrending, moving story. --VOYA (starred review) * Riveting.... A gripping historical mystery. --Publishers Weekly (starred review) * [An] affecting novel...that skillfully combines reality with fiction. Her characters come alive, and...Hesse's pacing infuses her story with thriller suspense, enriching the narrative with dramatic surprises both small and large. --Booklist (starred review) Taut and intelligent.... the historical setting is rendered the way only an expert can do it. --Washington Post It's no small feat to bring the past to life, especially a history as dark and desperate as World War II. Monica Hesse does just this with Hanneke's story. Brace yourself, dear reader, to have your heart bruised--and possibly even broken--in the most meaningful of ways. --Ryan Graudin, author of The Walled City and Wolf by Wolf In an occupied city, a young woman's daring transforms into true courage when she confronts a mystifying disappearance. From page one, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Enthralling. --Judy Blundell, New York Times bestselling author of Strings Attached and the National Book Award-winning What I Saw and How I Lied A tapestry of guilt and acceptance, growing responsibility, and reluctant heroism, Hanneke's coming-of-age under heartbreaking circumstances is a jarring reminder of how war consumes and transforms the passions of ordinary life. Every devastating moment of this beautiful novel is both poignant and powerful, and every word feels true. --Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of Black Dove, White Raven; Rose Under Fire; and the Printz Honor-winning Code Name Verity Praise for Girl in the Blue Coat The Edgar Award Winner for Best Young Adult Mystery Novel 2017 A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens of 2016 An Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2016 A Booklist Best Young Adult Book of 2016 A Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Selection 2017 A 2017 Indies Choice Awards Finalist for Best Young Adult Book A YALSA 2017 Best Book for Young Adults A 2017 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year A 2017 Wyoming Soaring Eagle Book Award Nominee A 2017 Washington, D.C. Capitol Choices List recommended title A 2018 Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award Nominee 2018 All Iowa Young Adults Read I did not expect this book to knock me off my feet with its lyrical brilliance, vivid storyline, and heart wrenching ending. Let's just say, if all historical fiction was like this book, it'd be my most-read genre. --Book Riot Hesse's books are like time machines--vehicles that help us explore our past. --Mashable Timely...[Hesse] again uses a well-researched historical backdrop to tell a powerful coming-of-age story. --Washington Post Monica Hesse's The War Outside pierces the heart with its exceptional story of family, friends and country...Riveting and meticulously researched, this story reverberates with authentic voices as it explores adolescent growth under dreadful circumstances. --BookPage * Teens and adults interested in WWII books, especially situations that haven't been written about extensively, will want to experience this story. --SLC, starred review * Keeps readers guessing through the final pages. --BCCB, starred review * A moving book that successfully describes an unjust aspect of U.S. History --Publishers Weekly, starred review * An extraordinary novel of injustice and xenophobia based on real history. --Booklist, starred review Monica Hesse takes a setting we think we understand and shifts it in an important way...a tightly plotted exploration of the consequences of fear. --The New York Times Book Review * Superb.... A satisfying and bittersweet novel, perfect for those who enjoyed Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. --SLJ, starred review Select Praise for The War Outside A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018A 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults PickA 2018 BCCB Bulletin Blue Ribbon TitleA 2019 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People Once again, Monica Hesse delivers an incredibly compelling and beautifully researched novel. The War Outside vividly brings readers into an underrepresented and dark period of American history. A must-read for fans of historical fiction. --Ruta Sepetys, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Timely...[Hesse] again uses a well-researched historical backdrop to tell a powerful coming-of-age story. --Washington Post Taut and intelligent.... the historical setting is rendered the way only an expert can do it. --Washington Post Monica Hesse takes a setting we think we understand and shifts it in an important way...a tightly plotted exploration of the consequences of fear. --The New York Times Book Review A tapestry of guilt and acceptance, growing responsibility, and reluctant heroism, Hanneke's coming-of-age under heartbreaking circumstances is a jarring reminder of how war consumes and transforms the passions of ordinary life. Every devastating moment of this beautiful novel is both poignant and powerful, and every word feels true. --Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of Black Dove, White Raven; Rose Under Fire; and the Printz Honor-winning Code Name Verity * Superb.... A satisfying and bittersweet novel, perfect for those who enjoyed Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. --SLJ, starred review * Riveting.... A gripping historical mystery. --Publishers Weekly (starred review) Select Praise for The War Outside A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018A 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults PickA 2018 BCCB Bulletin Blue Ribbon TitleA 2019 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People Once again, Monica Hesse delivers an incredibly compelling and beautifully researched novel. The War Outside vividly brings readers into an underrepresented and dark period of American history. A must-read for fans of historical fiction. --Ruta Sepetys, #1 New York Times bestselling author Praise for Girl in the Blue Coat The Edgar Award Winner for Best Young Adult Mystery Novel 2017 A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens of 2016 An Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2016 A Booklist Best Young Adult Book of 2016 A Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Selection 2017 A 2017 Indies Choice Awards Finalist for Best Young Adult Book A YALSA 2017 Best Book for Young Adults A 2017 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year A 2017 Wyoming Soaring Eagle Book Award Nominee A 2017 Washington, D.C. Capitol Choices List recommended title A 2018 Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award Nominee 2018 All Iowa Young Adults Read * Hesse again proves to be a master of verisimilitude, bringing the realities of existence in the immediate postwar period to visceral life through painstaking detail. Her beautifully realized, highly empathetic characters come to life, too, in the pages of this superbly crafted novel...like real life, there is heartbreaking sadness here but also hope that life, finally, will be whole and fine, A to Z. --Booklist, starred review * Compelling. --Publishers Weekly, starred review * Featuring factual locations and covering a period of time not often focused on, this is an excellent book to add to a Holocaust collection. ...This book would be valuable for all high schools and should be considered a must-purchase. --School Library Connection, starred review Praise for They Went Left * A heartbreaking and heartwarming story of survival, loss, and renewal. Sure to please a variety of readers; those interested in historical fiction, romance, and mystery will not be able to put this book down. --School Library Journal, starred review

Author Information

Monica Hesse is the bestselling author of Girl in the Blue Coat, American Fire, and The War Outside, as well as a columnist at the Washington Post. She lives outside Washington, D.C. with her husband and their dog.

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