Summer of My German Soldier

An emotional, thought-provoking book from multi-award-winning author Bette Greene.

When her small hometown in Arkansas becomes the site of a camp housing German prisoners during World War II, 12-year-old Patty Bergen learns what it means to open her heart. Although she’s Jewish, she begins to see a prison escapee, Anton, not as a Nazi–but as a lonely, frightened young man with feelings not unlike her own, who understands and appreciates her in a way her parents never will. And Patty is willing to risk losing family, friends–even her freedom–for what has quickly become the most important part of her life. Thoughtful, moving, and hard-hitting, Summer of My German Soldier has become a modern classic.

“An exceptionally fine novel.” —The New York Times

“Courageous and compelling!”  —Publishers Weekly

A National Book Award Finalist
An ALA Notable Book
A New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year