Bookverdict.com

Gr 4–7—In this follow-up to Black Radishes (Delacorte, 2010), Meyer continues the story of a French Jew named Gustave, now 12, who emigrates with his parents to safety in the United States during World War II. Based on memories from the author's father, the story rings true as Gustave starts school at the Joan of Arc Junior High in New York City. His challenges learning English and navigating American culture make for a difficult start for the protagonist, along with his worries about his best friend, Marcel, whom he left behind in France to an uncertain fate. His friendship with September Rose, an African American girl at his school, makes his life easier in some ways, but he also encounters threats for being friends with someone of a different race. Even...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Although Gustave and his parents (Black Radishes, rev. 1/11) have escaped the dangers of Nazi-occupied France, both the sea voyage to their new home in America and their life once they arrive are challenging. "Somehow, they had become poor," Gustave notices, and although his English isn't good initially, he can tell that Jews are despised by many in New York, too. Meyer writes in her author's note that Gustave's experiences are based on her father's stories, which may be ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Although Jewish Gustave and his parents (<i>Black Radishes</i>) have escaped Nazi-occupied France, their new life in America is challenging. Gusta...Log In or Sign Up to Read More