Projekt 1065: A Novel of World War II

This was an amazing book! I enjoyed the tense moments and the suspense at the end of the chapters. I also enjoyed the chapter "It Didn't" because that was all there was to it. It was the answer to a question everyone asked at the end of the chapter before. It's an amazing read about the war and I would definitely recommend it to friends and family!

This is a book everyone will love. Be prepared to shed a tear

Project 1065: A Novel of World War II is written by Alan Gratz. This book is definitely acceptable for 3-7 grades but I suggest at least 6th as the basic content may be a little over the heads of 3-5 grades. Michael O’Shaunessey, of Ireland, lives in Berlin in Nazi Germany with his parents. His parents are Irish ambassadors and it is the only embassy open in Germany. Ireland is neutral and accepted as such by the Nazis. Michael attends a German school and is treated just like the others. He is a member of the Hitler Youth, like the other boys. Unlike them, he doesn’t believe the doctrine he is suppose to learn. Because he is smart, he can understand what they are saying; but not the severity. Besides not believing the Nazi doctrine, Michael has another secret, he is a spy as are his parents. He learns about Project 1065, a jet plane, from his friend Fritz who shows him a page of the document that his Father has created. Fritz is having problems with the Hitler Youth because he is so small and does not know how to fight. Michael helps him and Fritz passes into the next section of the Hitler Youth. In addition to the secret of his parents being spies, they are also on the underground to get pilots and others out of Germany to England. When Michael finds a pilot, he brings him to the house and they hide him. Simon helps Michael recreate the pages for Project 1085 from memory. Even though he does these things to help his parents in their spying, just how serious is Michael about it. Is he willing to give everything and everyone he loves for his country?

This is a fast read and I imagine most middle school readers will like it, full of adventure and about a thirteen-year-old Irish boy stuck in Berlin during World War II. His father is the ambassador to Ireland and what Michael O'Shaunessey doesn't know until the night of Kristallnacht is that his parents are spies. Ireland was neutral in this war and was often criticized for that decision, but in his author's note, Gratz explains that after the war it was discovered that many Irish in this situation served as spies and helped the Allies in the war. I didn't care for the book as much as the others I've read by Alan Gratz. It felt too fabricated, too "all works out". Like Gratz's others, however, it is based on historical truth. The parts about the indoctrination of Hitler Youth are frightening. It is hard to believe that such actions might happen with a thirteen-year-old taking care of his own spying responsibilities. I will say that those times are not today and sadly, they probably happened more than I can imagine.

Alan Gratz has written a compelling story about a young man fighting for what he believes is right. From the night he first witnessed the cruely of the Nazis, Michael has been doing his part to help the Allies defeat them. Joining the Hitler Youth and working with his spy mother, Michael gathers intel that is then sent on to the British. But after helping rescue a downed British pilot and finding out about Projekt 1065. When a fellow Hitler Youth who he helped escape a beating shows him part of the blueprints for an experimental jet airplane, Michael becomes determined to see the whole set of plans. With his photographic memory, he believes just a few minutes with each of the twelve pages will allow him to pass the plans on to the British airman who will pass them on to the British. But things get complicated as Michael discovers that his new found friend, Fritz has become part of a secret mission and he himself gets pulled deeper into the world of the Hitler Youth. Themes of friendship, loyalties, and sacrifice shine through as Michael and his family have to make some really tough choices about the price they are willing to pay to help the Allies, maybe even their lives. I wish I had more historical fiction like this in my library. Books like this help history come alive along with telling a compelling, edge of your seat story. I appreciated the notes the author makes at the end, highlighting the parts of the story that were real and the parts that aren't. Gratz has created another powerful story about a time in the history of the world that left it's mark on all who were touched by it.

From my 11-year old: It’s the perfect amount of pages and is very interesting. The characters are good and he’s a spy, which is super cool. I recommend it to everybody.

This book is so suspenseful, gripping, and inspiring! I believe readers of all ages would love it as much as I did. It’s also scary, considering present-day events. It is a warning and a call to action, or at least a call to think critically and not become a blind follower.

1. Projekt 1065 and Gratz's other novel, Prisoner B-3087, are must reads for Middle School students who are studying WWII and the Holocaust. Prisoner B-3087 provides an in-depth look into the concentration camps during the Holocaust. Projekt 1065 provides readers with a glimpse into the Hitler Youth and what it was like living in Germany during the war. It's one of the few YA books I've come across that are about Hitler Youth. 2. Projekt is perfect for YA readers who might not have strong background knowledge of WWII because the author weaves key pieces of history throughout the story, but he does so with out having it upset the pace of he story or making readers feel bogged down by too many facts. This book will get YA readers interested in WWII for sure! 3. The story itself is gripping and there are never any slow parts. While there are parts of the plot that seem far-fetched, the book is so well-written and provides a great blend of history and entertainment.

My son read many of Allan G books and they are all great. Highly recommended

I just love the book. The way the author portrayed the story of hitler youth and Michael O'Shaunnesey made me finish the book in a day! Just love the story and got to know a lot about the Nazi monsters...

Good to read for G6.

This author is AMAZING. Buying more of his books

Bought for my son for Xmas he loves these books, great Author. Great learning book for kids.