The Edelweiss Pirates

by Jennifer Elvgren, Daniela Stamatiadi Narrated by Book Buddy Digital Media

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

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"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

Kirkus Reviews

2018-05-23
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)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171855635
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/01/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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