Author: Kip Wilson
Stars: 3.5 stars
Teen Reviewer: AJ Townsend
White Rose takes place during Hitler’s reign in Germany and is a historical fiction verse novel. Told through the eyes of a young anti-Nazi woman, White Rose is based on the true story of a Nazi-Resistance group. This book focuses on Sophie and her brother Hans. Sophie is living in an anti-Nazi home with a father who hates Hitler. She sees her brothers and her boyfriend being sent off to fight for Germany. At the beginning of the book, she is proud to be a German but as she comes to understand Hitler’s true plans, she says, “I once loved my country, but now the only thing that shames me is that I’m German.”(p.294). She learns that her brother has started a resistance sending out leaflets of treason to the people of Germany. She soon joins in; proud to be fighting for what is right. But sometimes, the right thing to do comes with a cost.
This book is told in first person but changes between different timelines. This can be difficult to understand at times. Other than this, White Rose was a rollercoaster of thrill and tragic action. This book encompasses courage and how hard it can be to do the right thing. I would give this book three and a half stars. This was an inspiring read and I suggest taking some time out of your busy day to delve into a shining moment of female bravery in our history.
