Rise of the Spider

What worked:
This book is historical fiction focusing on a time period not often seen in books for young readers. Many middle-grade readers will know that Hitler took control of Germany and led them into World War ll. This story looks at his rise to power following Germany’s loss in The Great War, World War l. The author shares the feelings of many Germans who think the punishments leveled against the country are too harsh and their new leaders are too weak. Many younger people listen to Hitler’s criticism of their government and join his Hitler Youth, a part of the Nazi Party. This book describes the conflicted emotions of the citizens and the internal conflicts created by a country struggling to survive.
Rolf doesn’t understand the politics going on but he knows he gets a bad feeling when he’s around the two Nazi Youths his brother has connected with. He listens to Romer as he spouts Hitler’s propaganda and his father’s angry retorts about how the Nazis will lead the country to violence and another possible war. Rolf is trying to figure out the world as he sees Jewish people in his neighborhood being mistreated and bullied. Few citizens are willing to stand up and help as they either agree with the Nazis or are afraid of being attacked themselves. Rolf can’t comprehend the complexities of government and adult life but he’s fully aware of what’s right and wrong.
Rolf’s best friend is Ansel and this character adds tension and suspense to the story. Rolf wholly agrees that Ansel is annoying, rude, and outspoken and these are dangerous qualities while living among Hitler Youth. Ansel shows no fear or restraint when insulting these characters and he won’t back down when threatened. Readers will cringe during these moments because they won’t know how violently the Hitler Youth may react. Ansel’s father is a reporter so Ansel always sounds like he’s well-informed. His comments provide a stark contrast to the Nazi rhetoric. Young readers will be immersed in the turmoil within Germany as it marches to World War ll.
What didn’t work as well:
Some parts of the book come across as very informational. Ansel, Rolf’s father, and the Hitler Youth spout facts and news regarding the political atmosphere in Germany from this time in history. It can sometimes take over Rolf’s storyline although the book is, after all, historical fiction. The plot and politics are closely connected so it’s a balancing act.
The final verdict:
This book will appeal to readers with an interest in politics and history, especially Europe around 1930. Rolf is an engaging character as he sorts through the opposing viewpoints concerning the growth of Naziism. The book’s topics won’t appeal to everyone but I still recommend you give it a shot. It’s a lesson for democracies that say “It can’t happen here.”

It's 1929 in the Bavarian town of Heroldsberg, Germany. Rolf, who is 12, is worried about his older brother, Romer. A brilliant soccer player, Romer is increasingly dissatisfied with life, and fights frequently with their father, who runs a toy factory in nearby Nuremberg that is experiencing difficulties. Rolf knows that things are hard in Germany; after the Great War, the country had to pay reparations, and the economy was suffering. Ansel, Rolf's best friend, is well versed in the news of the day because his father is a reporter for the Nuremberg Zeitgeist. When the two friends see Romer talking to two young men, they are worried to find that Hans and Nils have moved to town to set up an office for the National Socialist German Workers Party, better known as the Nazis. While Ansel isn't pleased with the spidery Hans' glib replies and calls Hitler an idiot, Rolf is more circumspect in his speech. He does tell his father, who is not happy that Romer is considering joining the Hitler Youth. Rolf asks if his older brother, Klaus, who died in the Great War, was also troublesome at that age, and the father does remember that Klaus fought quite a lot with his mother, who died of the Spanish flu. Still, when Mrs. Hufnagel's bakery is attacked and set on fire, and Romer's shirt smells of kerosene, Rolf becomes very worried about his brother. When he finds that Romer has traveled to Nuremberg for a rally, he and his father go after them. With things heating up in the country, will Rolf and his father be able to keep Romer safe?