Milkweed, by Jerry Spinelli

Bibliographic Information:
Spinelli, J. (2006). Milkweed. Narrated by Ron Rifkin. Listening Library. ISBN-10: 0807220019

Book Awards:
2003 Golden Kite (book form)

Plot Summary:
The boy has been on the streets of Warsaw as long as he can remember. In fact, he thinks his name is "Stop Thief!". Another street boy named Uri takes him in hand and gives him a name: Misha. Misha is small and fast-- the two traits that define him and save his life. With his speed and size, he can steal enough food to eat, and enough to give to his new Jewish friend, a girl named Genina, as the Nazis begin to crack down on the Jewish residents of Warsaw. When Genina and her family are sent into the ghetto, Misha follows them, sneaking back across the wall to steal food for them. Warsaw is getting worse and worse, though; can Misha save everyone, or even anyone?

Critical Evaluation:
This is a powerful and disturbing book, much like Night, another book of Nazi horrors written for a young audience. Misha doesn't know anything-- he asks various characters what "mothers", "oranges", "combs", "angels", and "happy" are. He is not immoral so much as a morally blank slate. He calls the Nazis "Jackboots", and doesn't understand the concepts of prejudice and persecution. He begins to get the idea, though as he sees the tortures and horrors perpetrated on random Jews. The reader sees through Misha's impassively curious descriptions, and applies his or her own horror to what Misha observes. Misha's generosity of spirit in the face of his constant state of utter deprivation is a continual source of amazement.

Reader's Annotation:
Misha is one small street boy; can he steal enough food in Nazi-occupied Warsaw to feed a family of four? How about a whole orphanage?

About the Author:
Jerry Spinelli was born on February 1, 1941 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He has written numerous children's and young adult books, and has won both a Newbury Honor and a Newbury Medal award. He loves sports, and has six children and sixteen grandchildren.

Genre:
Historical fiction

Curriculum Ties:
History

Booktalking Ideas:
What if you knew nothing from adults?

Interest Age:
11+

Challenge Issues:
Descriptions of Nazi violence
If a challenge should occur,
Read the book! Urge parent to do the same. Cite awards and reviews. Refer to collection development policy. If dispute continues, parents' wishes regarding their own children will be respected.

Reason Included:
I wanted a historical fiction piece for boys.