World War II is over, and Freddie, a veteran, decides not to return to America, but to travel around Europe as a ventriloquist. The problem is no one wants to hire him, as his act is mediocre at best. Then Freddie is visited by the ghost of Avrom Amos, a Jewish child who saved Freddie's life during the war. Avrom offers Freddie a deal: he'll make Freddie a star if Freddie helps track down the Nazi who killed him. Winner of the 2008 Sydney Taylor Award.
Summary Avrom Amos Poliakov once saved Sergeant Freddie Birch’s life during the war; now he has come to demand Freddie’s help. Avrom Amos is a dybbuk, a Jewish spirit with unfinished business in the world, in this case finding and punishing the Nazi officer who killed him and his sister. Freddie doesn’t want to be possessed—it’s putting a crimp in his love life—but having an extra voice in his body can be a big help to a ventriloquist.
Topics Ventriloquists. Ghosts. The Holocaust. Dybbuks. World War II. Vampires. Hecklers. Gratitude. Stereotypes. Possession. Imposters. Exorcisms. Rabbis. Theater booking. Observing the Sabbath. Journalists. Interviews. Child murder. Bar mitzvahs. Romance. Being Jewish. Beggars. Hunger. Kindness. Concentration camp tattoos. Stamp collectors. Rewards. Poison. Clues. Disbelief. Anger. Trials. Confessions.
SRC Level 4.100000
SRC Points 7.000000
Lexile 610L
Trim Size 4 7/8" x 6 7/8"
Language English
JLG Release Date Nov 2007
Minimum grade 6
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
Advanced Readers (Grades 6-8)
Advanced Readers
Advanced Readers (Grades 6-8)
For Grades 6-8
Your pre-teen and teen readers won't be able to get enough of these selections. The 12 books here are a bit longer than our B category titles, with more challenging storylines and a wealth of thought-provoking nonfiction.