Summer of My German Soldier

Not available at Barnes & Noble
Rated: NR
Starring: Kristy Mcnichol, et al.

Edition Details:(check amazon.com for used prices)
• NTSC format (US and Canada only)
• Color, NTSC
• ASIN: 6301608518

(1978) (TV)Directed by
Michael Tuchner 
Writing credits
Bette Greene  (novel)
Jane-Howard Hammerstein 

Plot Outline: A young American girl meets a German prisoner of war. (view trailer)

Summer of My German Soldier 
Bette Greene

The summer that Patty Bergen turns twelve is a summer that will haunt her forever. When her small hometown in Arkansas becomes the site of a camp housing German prisoners during World War II, Patty learns what it means to open her heart. Even though she's Jewish, she begins to see a prison escapee, Anton, not as a Nazi, but as a lonely, frightened young man with feelings not unlike her own.

In Anton, Patty finds someone who softens the pain of her own father's rejection and who appreciates her in a way her mother never will. While patriotic feelings run high, Patty risks losing family, friends — even her freedom — for this dangerous friendship. It is a risk she has to take and one she will have to pay a price to keep.

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A very loving tale told with tenderness: young Jewish girl in WWII America befriends an escaped Nazi POW who is hiding out in her clubhouse. They discuss their lives, she sneaks him food, he becomes her only friend and ally. All this reminded me of the much-better theatrical film "Whistle Down The Wind" with Hayley Mills befriending convict Alan Bates, but you certainly can't fault Kristy McNichol's performance here. Mature in her pre-teen years, she never hits an awkward moment. Suddenly, when the prisoner is discovered(and Kristy is found out as well), the movie becomes very tough. Her father lays into her with a quiet fury I have seldom seen on the screen(he tells her "You are dead to me," which must be devastating for a little girl to hear). The final scene doesn't cop out either. There are no big reunions, no holding hands. The little girl has to face the world, and in doing so learns a cynical lesson about neighbors, friends, and family. It's a startling film.

The Summer of My German Soldier
A Web Quest exploring the historical backdrop for this novel. 

Also, seeBette Greene Teacher Resource File, for lessons, a biography, and criticism for The Summer of My German Soldier. 

For student study guides, click here.For further information on World War II literature, go to World War II as Seen Through the Eyes of Children's Literature.