Library Happenings

Henning School

Are you looking for an amazing book to read?  You might want to consider reading some of Alan Gratz’s work.  He is an author of middle-grade and YA fiction books.  He is well known for his contemporary and historical novels that address social and historical issues.  Highlights of his writings include courage, resilience, and empathy.  

Refugee tells a story of three young refugees from different time periods.  There is a Jewish boy fleeing Nazi Germany, a Cuban girl escaping Castro, and a Syrian boy seeking safety.  Author Gratz weaves the tale for a quest to safety and freedom.

Allies is set during World War II, particularly D-Day.  Soldiers, medics, and civilians play a key role highlighting the sacrifices made during wartime.  

Grenade is set in Okinawa, Japan during World War II.  This story is of a young boy in the Japanese army and an American Marine.  This book promotes understanding and humanity while showing the devastation war has on communities and individuals.

Prisoner B-3087 is inspired by true events that happened in the concentration camps during the Holocaust. Resilience of the human spirit is strong in this book along with powerful reminders of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust.

Ground Zero has a double narrative taking place.  A boy caught in the World Trade Center during 9/11 and an Afghan girl in the aftermath of 9/11 twenty years later.  This book showcases the lasting impact of conflict and tragedy while showing the interconnectedness of global events. 

Mr. Gratz’s novels have emotional depth and historical accuracy.  He promotes empathy and understanding, resilience, and advocacy.  If you are looking for a moving book, these will definitely be that.

Gratz’s novels are known for their emotional depth and historical accuracy. Common themes include:

We are open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. You can access us through the elementary entrance during that time or you can come up at any point during the day through the District Office entrance. We will be here waiting for you.