IN DEFIANCE OF HITLER: THE SECRET MISSION OF VARIAN FRY by Carla Killough McClafferty

This nonfiction book tells the story of Varian Fry, an ordinary New Yorker, who travelled to southern France at the beginning of World War II.  Intending to stay only 2 weeks, the original purpose of his trip was to assist artists, writers, scientists, and other "important" people escape to the U.S. He ended up staying in France for two years and helped over 2000 people escape from the Nazis.  He and his staff forged documents, hid information in toothpaste tubes, and sneaked people through the mountains across the border into Spain.

This book tells a true story that often reads like a novel filled with history, close calls, spies, and villains.  Written for young people, it is a quick read with historical information clearly explained and put into context.  It would be especially appropriate for Western Civilization and U.S. History class.

TALES OF THE MADMAN UNDERGROUND by John Barnes

Karl is about to begin his senior year of high school in 1973.  His father died when he was in 8th grade, and his mother has become a partying hippie.  Karl works numerous jobs, hiding his money around the house so his mother won't take it.  He tries to keep the house clean, but with over 20 cats, that is hard. He has been part of a school therapy group since junior high when he brutally killed a classmate's pet rabbit.  This group, dubbing itself the "madmen underground", is very close as members help each other with such issues as abuse, alcoholism, neglect and give each other places to stay when they are locked out or just don't want to go home.  Karl just wants a "normal" life, so decides not to be a part of the madmen underground group this year, hoping that people at school will see him as part of the "normal" kids.  He discovers that is not so easy.

A long book (530 pages), it is a compelling read.  We come to really care about Karl, and we want his mother to get her act together so Karl can have a little easier time.  I also liked that the kids in the "madmen underground"--while they lived in some really bad situations--did not act like victims.  They took some control of their lives.

AFTER by Amy Efaw

Devon is a star.  She's a straight A student, starter on her high school's soccer team, sought-after babysitter.  But the book opens as Devon has just given birth and the baby is found in a dumpster.  She sits in the juvenile detention center sure that everyone will soon understand their mistake.  She does not belong there; she is not like the other girls there.  But her lawyer soon convinces her that she will not be leaving soon and that Devon must talk to her about what happened--even if Devon doesn't want to.  For months, denial has been Devon's defense, but she must now face and talk about what happened.

This is a rather depressing book.  I found myself feeling really bad for Devon, but also really frustrated with her.  She was such a high achiever and had such high expectations for herself, she simply could not (or would not) accept what was happening to her.