Ann Brashares & Ben Brashares, Westfallen, Bloomsbury Publishing, September 2024, 384 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781526686916
Ann and Ben Brashares’s Westfallen follows the exciting adventure of six kids; three in 2023, and three in 1944, who come across a radio that allows them to communicate through time. Although their intentions are good, the kids change things in the past which dramatically alter their modern day lives, but as they work to reverse the changes, they accidentally create a reality in which Germany won the war. With the combination of their strengths, the kids devise plans and pursue quests across decades to get back to their old lives, before all hope is lost.
Westfallen is a thrilling tale for young readers aged 11-13. The story explores a variety of unique and relatable characters while simultaneously introducing some bigger issues such as racism and antisemitism, so it’s better if readers have a general understanding of these topics before reading. The authors have done a wonderful job of intertwining the everyday challenges of young people (e.g. navigating friendships and high school) with an exciting save-the-world adventure. Its chapters are relatively short, and the alternating perspectives make it easy to follow and perfect to read before bed. Not to mention the comments at the start of each chapter are sure to bring a giggle to any reader.
One note, however, is that when the children find themselves in a Germanic America, one of them is Jewish and faces significant challenges compared to the others. While this is useful in introducing such a complex topic to young readers, the topic itself felt skimmed over, and almost insensitive when made comical.
Ultimately, Westfallen will have readers holding their breath until the last second, in fact, they might just go blue, because its sequel is expected in mid-September 2025. In the meantime, Brandon Robshaw’s The Big Wish offers a similar writing style and exciting story for readers seeking something similar.
Overall, Westfallen is a high-stakes adventure, with an even higher quality of writing, and an exciting read for any young reader.
Reviewed by Lily Pearson
