Inge Dornenwald and Lieselotte Vessely are best friends in 1938 Vienna, Austria. But the world is changing, with Hitler rising to power throughout Europe. Because Inge is Jewish and Lieselotte is Catholic, their parents forbid the girls to see each other. Inge misses Lieselotte when the Vesselys move to Munich and wonders why Lieselotte never writes. In the meantime, she plays with upstairs-Evi, looks forward to being a bridesmaide in Mitzi's wedding, and observes the adults nervously reacting to the changing political situation. The Vesselys return to Vienna when Austria falls to Germany. Even though Mr. Vessely is an SA, the girls conspire to see each other and walk to school. Lieselotte is key to finding a church that doesn't have a swastika flag flying so that Mitzi and Fredl can marry. Eventually a family friend secures a job for Mr. Dornenwald in Yugoslavia and Inge and her family escape Austria.

This was hands down the best book I've read this year. (I don't know what it says about me that some of my favorite books are written for kids).

Taking place immediately before and during Hitler's rise to power, a Jewish girl, living in Vienna, records the events in her diary as they occur. Why doesn't her family want her to hang out with her best friend? Why does she have to sit in the back row at school? Will the Austrian Chancellor hold his stand against Hitler? (well, we know the answer to that one). Although technically a novel, it does follow some of the real life experiences of the author herself, and has been one of the most readable resources for explaining some of the political occurences and life events PRIOR to the start of WWII. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended for all ages ( )

Very good, not too gruesome YA-book about the Nazis taking over in Austria in 1937. The main story-line is about the girls' friendship, which is very heartfelt, but in the background are the horrible events of the war and its effect on the Austrian population. Definitely recommended for a younger reader's venturing into reading about the Holocaust. ( )

When one usually thinks of war we hardly think about the children. Many are too young to understand the changes of their world. The bestest of friends any girl could have is being torn. Their friendship has become dangerous not just for them but for their familes. The girls struggle to keep thier friendship alive.

This book tugs at the heart. Very well done. ( )