![]() By giving his adolescent protagonist these concerns about identity, Gratz mirrors the examination of self and identity that many teenagers go through as they mature. Dee partially blames himself for the situation that has arisen in Germany, as he sees its impacts firsthand. ![]() He also fears that his parents’ decision to escape Germany rather than defying Hitler directly shows that their convictions against Nazism were weak and he worries what his Jewish friend’s reaction will be when he learns the truth. He fears discovering that he has an innate loyalty to his natal homeland rather than his adopted country and its values. It is not the first World War II book he has written, but it is unique in its formatit features the stories and perspectives of several characters instead of just one. The underlying question for Dee as he enters battle is how much he will identify with the German soldiers he will encounter. This year his fans are in for a real treat as Gratz’s latest novel, Allies (Scholastic, October 2019), is being published in honor of the 75 th anniversary of D-Day. ![]() However, Dee is caught up in a profound internal conflict because of his identity as a native German citizen whose parents brought him to the US as a young child. He is committed to the American/Ally cause of freeing Europe from the Nazis, so much so that he forges his personal documents to join the military early. ![]() ![]() Dee is idealistic, cooperative, and courageous. Dee is a 16-year-old American soldier who has yet to see action as he lands on Omaha Beach. ![]()
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