Hitler's Canary by Sandi Toksvig

Mrs. Finn asked me to review this book for her students and library blog.  Being a smart guy, I acted swiftly on the directive.  My summation ensues.

I would set the tone here with an opening salvo: I found the book a quick, engaging read that generated thoughts over the course of my day.  In short, impacting.  A pleasant surprise, this example of historical fiction is most likely suitable for fifth graders and up, notably the high end youth reader able to respond to the general invitations offered through the descriptions, yet protract additional thoughts to understand the gravity of the events.  There are no overly graphic scenes or dialogues that may be approaching limits of acceptability for sensitive readers, however, in a stroke of writing mastery, a young reader can certainly understand the drama of the events.  Certainly as an adult reader, I could- and did- give thought to what happened in more detail after certain events. A primary example here: when Anton’s younger sister broke from hiding to retrieve a doll and was captured and taken away by the Gestapo…

Beyond the broader conflict of the German occupation in Denmark, the additional dramas of a teen’s coming of age and internal family conflict offered compelling sub-plots to the main story line.  Specifically, the relationship of Bamse’s admiration of his older brother versus his own sense of worth, his sister’s relationship with the German soldier and the dramatic relationship between Bamse’s father and his Uncle.  All of these relationships transform in response to the broader conflict at hand, leaving one to wonder how frequently this played out in the various Danish households.  To this end, there’s a broader lesson offered with the contemplation and handling of family dynamics.  This a benefit that may apply to many readers. 

As a whole, I would generalize this as a story of hope and courage.  Noting the latter, it is a solid illustration of how people can change through fear, taking action “in doing what is right.”  Early on, I could see the book title’s relation to the script.  The German occupation “caged” the Danish, who were pleasant and non-threatening, peaceful if you will.  However, across the chapters the “canary” responded to the observations surrounding the cage, and broke free despite the risk of the unknown and potential dangers.  Accordingly, Hitler’s Canary should be released to middle school readers as an introduction or continuation of discussions specific to the Holocaust so that the Holocaust and associated stories of courage- of humanity- can be shared with others into the future.     

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