Facing the Enemy

2024 Kansas NEA Reading Circle List

“(An) illuminating verse novel…”—Publishers Weekly

“The story of a friendship torn apart when Nazi ideology arrives on America’s shores… (e)ach boy struggles with different types of personal adversity, and the challenges of their relationship highlight an important, lesser-known chapter in U.S. history.”—Kirkus Reviews

“The novel’s action moves back and forth between Tommy’s and Benjy’s first-person accounts, doing a nice job of adding complexity to the plot…Good for independent reading and, especially, classroom use.” —Booklist

“Facing the Enemy offers a frightening glimpse into a little-known slice of America’s history.Two best friends—one Jewish and one of German heritage—pit themselves against each other asantisemitism rises alongside German nationalism in a corner of New Jersey in the years leadingup to World War II. Poetry is the perfect form for this well-researched, chilling read.”—Kip Wilson, award-winning author of White Rose

“Barbara Krasner’s compelling poetry brings to life a time in US history that must neverbe forgotten. Benjy’s courage, conviction, and determination will inspire young readers to standup for what is right, even when it means risking everything. Tommy’s ability to look deepwithin himself, question what he’s been taught, and learn to think for himself is an importantlife lesson for us all. I hope this page-turner of a book garners the widest audience possible.”—Lesléa Newman, author of Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story