Stones in Water

Stones in Water
Publisher
Age Range
10+
Release Date
June 30, 1997
ISBN
0141306009
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When Roberto sneaks off to see a movie in his Italian village, he has no idea that life as he knows it is over. German soldiers raid the theater, round up the boys in the audience, and pack them onto a train. After a terrifying journey, Roberto and his best friend Samuele find themselves in a brutal work camp, where food is scarce and horror is everywhere. The boys vow to stay together no matter what. But Samuele has a dangerous secret, which, if discovered, could get them both killed. Lovers of historical fiction will be captivated by this tragic, triumphant, and deeply moving novel.

When Roberto sneaks off to see a movie in his Italian village, he has no idea that life as he knows it is over. German soldiers raid the theater, round up the boys in the audience, and pack them onto a train. After a terrifying journey, Roberto and his best friend Samuele find themselves in a brutal work camp, where food is scarce and horror is everywhere. The boys vow to stay together no matter what. But Samuele has a dangerous secret, which, if discovered, could get them both killed. Lovers of historical fiction will be captivated by this tragic, triumphant, and deeply moving novel.

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Suspenseful Stones
(Updated: June 26, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
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5.0
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0.0
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Reader reviewed by Jake

When Roberto goes to a matinee with his friends, German soldiers invade the theater and force him and scores of other Italian teen boys to board trains bound for German Territories. Despite the fact that Italy and Germany were allies in the war, the Germans use the boys as slaves. They are given little to eat, no warm clothing, and must perform hard manual labor. With only his Jewish friend Samuele alongside him, Roberto strives to survive and keep Samueles true identity concealed from the soldiers.
G
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