The War Outside Audiobook

Quotes

• “Hesse draws Margot and Haruko realistically and sympathetically, bolstered by research into WWII internment camps, in a moving book that successfully describes an unjust aspect of US history.”

  — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

• “A superb historical fiction novel for YA collections. Hesse deftly balances actual events from Crystal City with a resonating fictional story of forbidden friendship and love….[and also] weaves an engaging mystery…A satisfying and bittersweet novel.”

  — School Library Journal (starred review)

• * "...superb....A satisfying and bittersweet novel, perfect for those who enjoyed Markus Zusak's The Book Thief.

  — SLJ, starred review

• Monica Hesse takes a setting we think we understand and shifts it in an important way...a tightly plotted exploration of the consequences of fear.

  — The New York Times Book Review

• * "...an extraordinary novel of injustice and xenophobia based on real history.

  — Booklist, starred review

• * "...a moving book that successfully describes an unjust aspect of U.S. History

  — Publishers Weekly, starred review

• * "Keeps readers guessing through the final pages.

  — BCCB, starred review

• * "Teens and adults interested in WWII books, especially situations that haven't been written about extensively,will want to experience this story.

  — SLC, starred review

• Monica Hesse's The War Outside pierces the heart with its exceptional story of family, friends and country...Riveting and meticulously researched, this story reverberates with authentic voices as it explores adolescent growth under dreadful circumstances.

  — BookPage

• timely...[Hesse] again uses a well-researched historical backdrop to tell a powerful coming-of-age story.

  — The Washington Post

• Hesse's books are like time machines-vehicles that help us explore our past.

  — Mashable

• I did not expect this book to knock me off my feet with its lyrical brilliance, vivid storyline, and heart wrenching ending. Let's just say, if all historical fiction was like this book, it'd be my most-read genre.

  — Book Riot

• Girl in the Blue Coat is a powerful, compelling coming-of-age story set against the dark and dangerous backdrop of World War II. It's an important and page-turning look at the choices all of us--including young adults--have to make in wartime. A beautiful combination of heartbreak, loss, young love, and hope.

  — Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale

• A tapestry of guilt and acceptance, growing responsibility, and reluctant heroism, Hanneke's coming-of-age under heartbreaking circumstances is a jarring reminder of how war consumes and transforms the passions of ordinary life. Every devastating moment of this beautiful novel is both poignant and powerful, and every word feels true.

  — Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of Black Dove, White Raven; Rose Under Fire; and the Printz Honor-winning Code Name Verity

• In an occupied city, a young woman's daring transforms into true courage when she confronts a mystifying disappearance. From page one, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Enthralling.

  — Judy Blundell, New York Times bestselling author of Strings Attached and the National Book Award-winning What I Saw and How I Lied

• It's no small feat to bring the past to life, especially a history as dark and desperate as World War II. Monica Hesse does just this with Hanneke's story. Brace yourself, dear reader, to have your heart bruised--and possibly even broken--in the most meaningful of ways.

  — Ryan Graudin, author of The Walled City and Wolf by Wolf

• Taut and intelligent... the historical setting is rendered the way only an expert can do it.

  — The Washington Post

• * "[An] affecting novel...that skillfully combines reality with fiction. Her characters come alive, and...Hesse's pacing infuses her story with thriller suspense, enriching the narrative with dramatic surprises both small and large.

  — Booklist (starred review)

• * "Riveting... a gripping historical mystery.

  — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

• * "This fast-paced story is alternately touching, heart-pounding and wrenching--but always gripping...a heartrending, moving story.

  — VOYA (starred review)

• * "A poignant, wonderfully crafted story of love and loss, courage and redemption.

  — Shelf Awareness (starred review)

• [An] intelligent and humane historical mystery.

  — The Wall Street Journal

• The themes of love, betrayal, heroism, social responsibility, and atonement are beautifully intertwined with well-developed characters and a compelling story line. Thoroughly researched, this work brings history alive in a clear and concise way that rings true. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially stories set during World War II.

  — School Library Journal

• Rich in content and emotion, this is a first-rate companion to the historical tales of the onderduikers, the hidden Jews of Holland, and a compelling read.

  — Kirkus Reviews

• This heartbreaking story of terror and loss sweeps you into a time-is-running-out mystery that delivers plot twists and a shocking final punch that'll haunt you for days.

  — Justine Magazine