This book just arrived in my mailbox a few days ago. Wow! It is now one of my favorites for the year!
ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a novel in verse by debut author Dana Vanderlugt. Set in Michigan during World War II, readers will learn about some little known history. During the war the U.S. government decided to ship some German POWs to the States to help provide relief for the labor shortage. A group of POWs were sent to a camp in Michigan where they helped in an apple orchard.
Claire's family is missing her older brother Danny, who is off fighting in Europe. Harvesting the apples and running the orchard store is taking its toll on her father and mother without the help of her brother. A group of German soldiers comes to the orchard to help. There are benefits for both sides, but of course, putting together Americans and Germans is also cause for concern.
Claire finds herself becoming friendly with a German named Karl. Since he can speak English, he is assigned to help in the store and given more responsibilities than the other POWs. It becomes clear that some of the Germans are feeling lucky to be in the States away from the fighting while others still have a strong connection to Hitler and the German war mission.
The narration alternates between Claire and Karl. Readers are able to follow the thought processes of both sides in this war situation. Vanderlugt weaves in facts from her family's experiences in Michigan along with her fictional account of this rare view of enemies interacting.
ENEMIES IN THE ORCHARD is a must-read for readers of all ages.
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