Set during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the story follows thirteen-year-old Evalyn (Evie) Harris, an American gymnast determined to win gold not just for her country, but for her family back home still recovering from the Dust Bowl. She believes a gold medal could change their lives forever. But once Evie arrives in Berlin, she quickly realizes the competition is tougher than she expected—and that Nazi Germany is hiding a much darker truth beneath its polished Olympic façade.
Evie is soon approached about participating in a dangerous plan to steal Nazi gold. She doesn’t leap at the idea, but as she witnesses the mistreatment of Jewish people and people of color, she begins to question what is right, and whether this mission might be her one chance to help others and bring home the gold.
Recommended For:
Grades 6–8, especially students studying WWII or readers who love fast-paced historical fiction.
The Good
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A fast-paced historical thriller that keeps readers turning pages.
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Strong, relatable protagonist in Evie.
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Sparks curiosity about real historical events and figures surrounding the 1936 Olympics.
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Classic Alan Gratz—engaging, accessible storytelling that hooks middle-grade readers.
Things to Note (From a School Librarian Lens)
Nothing here is a deal-breaker, but helpful for matching students and families with the right book:
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Occasional mild language (“damn,” “bastards”).
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Some intense historical content: a biracial character is forcibly sterilized by the Nazis; another character’s partner is sent to a concentration camp for being gay.
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Themes of violence and oppression are typical of WWII-era fiction.
Overall
War Games is an exciting, high-stakes read with powerful historical grounding. I can absolutely see why students grabbed it off the shelf. Gratz continues to shine as a writer who brings history to life in ways that resonate with young readers, and I’m already looking forward to diving into more of his work.
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