The Other Way Round

The Other Way Round follows Anna, a young Jewish refugee who fled Nazi Germany with her family and now lives in London during World War II. As a teenager trying to build a life in England, she pursues her artistic aspirations while her family faces the challenges of being German immigrants during wartime. The novel depicts Anna's navigation of relationships, career choices, and identity as she straddles multiple worlds - British society, her German-Jewish heritage, and her emerging adult self. Her experiences during the London Blitz and her family's status as "enemy aliens" shape her perspective as she searches for her path forward. This coming-of-age story explores themes of belonging, resilience, and finding one's place in a world transformed by war. Through Anna's eyes, the narrative examines questions of home, cultural identity, and the impact of displacement on both individuals and families.

Readers note this sequel to When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit provides deeper emotional complexity as Anna navigates adolescence as a refugee in England during WWII. Readers appreciated: - The realistic portrayal of refugee struggles to fit in - Details about wartime London life - Anna's growth and perspective as she becomes a young artist - The balance of serious themes with lighter moments Common criticisms: - Pacing feels slower than the first book - Less dramatic tension compared to Pink Rabbit - Some found Anna's teenage concerns repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) Reader quote: "While Pink Rabbit focused on escape and survival, this book delves into the quieter challenges of building a new life." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers mentioned they connected more with Pink Rabbit but valued this book's exploration of identity and belonging in wartime Britain.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry A young girl helps her Jewish friend's family escape Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Death narrates the story of a German girl who steals books and helps hide a Jewish man in her home during World War II.

The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen A modern teenager travels back in time to experience life in a Jewish village and concentration camp during the Holocaust.

Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev Based on true events, an eight-year-old Jewish boy survives alone in Nazi-occupied Poland by concealing his identity.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne The son of a Nazi commandant forms a friendship with a Jewish boy in a concentration camp through a barbed-wire fence.

🔷 The Other Way Round is the second book in Judith Kerr's semi-autobiographical Out of the Hitler Time trilogy, following her family's experiences as Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. 🔷 The author, Judith Kerr, is also famous for writing and illustrating the beloved children's picture book "The Tiger Who Came to Tea," which has sold over one million copies. 🔷 Before writing this book, Kerr worked as a BBC television scriptwriter, which helped develop her storytelling skills and attention to detail evident in the novel. 🔷 The story's protagonist, Anna, is based on Kerr's own experiences as a teenager in wartime London, including her work in a munitions factory and training as a Red Cross nurse. 🔷 Kerr wrote this book series not only to share her own story but to help young readers understand what it was like to be a refugee during World War II, a perspective that remains relevant today.