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The War Outside

By: Monica Hesse
Narrated by: Allison Hiroto, Christie Moreau, Monica Hesse
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Publisher's summary

New from Monica Hesse, the bestselling and award-winning author of Girl in the Blue Coat—an "important" (New York Times Book Review), "extraordinary" (Booklist, starred review) novel of conviction, friendship, and betrayal

"A must-read for fans of historical fiction."—Ruta Sepetys, #1 New York Times bestselling author

It's 1944, and World War II is raging across Europe and the Pacific. The war seemed far away from Margot in Iowa and Haruko in Colorado—until they were uprooted to dusty Texas, all because of the places their parents once called home: Germany and Japan.

Haruko and Margot meet at the high school in Crystal City, a "family internment camp" for those accused of colluding with the enemy. The teens discover that they are polar opposites in so many ways, except for one that seems to override all the others: the camp is changing them, day by day and piece by piece. Haruko finds herself consumed by fear for her soldier brother and distrust of her father, who she knows is keeping something from her. And Margot is doing everything she can to keep her family whole as her mother's health deteriorates and her rational, patriotic father becomes a man who distrusts America and fraternizes with Nazis.

With everything around them falling apart, Margot and Haruko find solace in their growing, secret friendship. But in a prison the government has deemed full of spies, can they trust anyone—even each other?

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Monica Hesse (P)2018 Hachette Audio
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Critic reviews

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018

A 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick

A 2018 BCCB Bulletin Blue Ribbon Title

A 2019 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

"Once again, Monica Hesse delivers an incredibly compelling and beautifully researched novel. The War Outside vividly brings readers into an underrepresented and dark period of American history. A must-read for fans of historical fiction."—Ruta Sepetys, #1 New York Times bestselling author

* "...superb....A satisfying and bittersweet novel, perfect for those who enjoyed Markus Zusak's The Book Thief."—SLJ, starred review

"Monica Hesse takes a setting we think we understand and shifts it in an important way...a tightly plotted exploration of the consequences of fear."—The New York Times Book Review

What listeners say about The War Outside

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A peek into history

So many people know nothing about these camps. It’s such a poor mark on our country of freedom. Thank you for the history lesson with a personal touch.

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the ending made it worth it

During the story I couldn't quite say I really liked the book and I couldn't put my finger on why. But the ending tied everything up in an unexpected way so that I really did like the story!

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1 person found this helpful