Ashes Often sad and always real, Kathryn Lasky's book teaches the reader what life must have been like during the onset of World War II for German children and teens. Gabriella (Gaby) Schramm is the model German 13 year old - blond, well read and proud of her heritage until she witnesses first hand how her country is caught up in "Hitler fever". Gaby , her older sister, mother and astrophysicist father see their world turn upside down. Next door neighbor, Albert Einstein and other Jewish friends are set upon by the upcoming Nazi party. Teachers and neighbors seem to change overnight - it is a world gone mad. LIke other novels of this time period it can be too much for young readers. I would however recommend it for a slightly younger age group than "The Book Thief" or "Diary of Anne Frank" as it discusses emotionally charged topics but reads like a young teen would speak and feel.
