STORYLINE: Ten-year-old Bobby Klocker is
fascinated with the German prisoners of war who help work his father’s land.
While he understands their situation, Bobby finds it hard to comprehend why his
American-born friend of Japanese ancestry is treated differently. Ultimately, that
friend (Richard) and his family are forced to live in a camp. Bobby’s older
brother complicates things further by displaying the same prejudices the boys
see outside their home. A run-in at school forces the brothers to choose what’s
important—acting on instilled family values or conforming because of peer
pressure.
I LIKED: seeing things
as they would have looked in 1943. The writer does a good job creating what feels
like a genuine backdrop for the story. The friendship between Bobby and Richard
is inspiring, reminding me that children are tolerant and don’t have prejudices
until adults poison their minds. There are also some poignant moments, one of
which occurs when the boys go to visit the Japanese family in the camp.
I COULD HAVE LIVED WITHOUT: the up close and personal view of how mean-spirited people can be, but
the book teaches valuable lessons that cannot not be conveyed otherwise.
OVERALL COMMENTS: This
War We’re In explores several important themes, including choices, forgiveness
and friendship. As the story progresses,
the boys each mature in their own way, including Bobby’s older brother Edward.
COVER NOTE: The cover captures the era in which the
story is told.
SOURCE: I received a copy of the book from the
writer in exchange for a review.
