Review of Uprising, by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Uprising, a historical fiction book written by Jennifer A. Nielsen, is based on a true story about Lidia Janina Durr Zakrzewski during World War II in Warsaw, Poland. The book talks about resistance fighters, who brought people hope and tried to keep the Nazis away, the Warsaw Uprising, and the Nazis’ invasion of Poland, which frightened many people because the Nazis were cruel to them. Uprising is really interesting and will hook you, but some parts are confusing. Children ages nine to twelve should read this book, for it will not only be fun, but it will also enable them to learn about World War II.
Lidia is the main character in Uprising, and she strived to become a resistance fighter because of what the Nazis did to her homeland and her family. On page 139, it states, “‘No.’ That’s what Stefan told me when I asked about joining the resistance.” Additionally, page 139 also says, “‘Then I won’t join the resistance … officially. I’ll just do a favor for them every now and then.'” This shows that Lidia is determined to find a way to become a resistance fighter.
Lidia did, indeed, become a resistance fighter, as shown on pages 163 to 168, which lifted people’s spirits. According to page 333, “‘Look here. Sixteen hundred Polish soldiers who’ve been with the Russians are joining our fight. Sixteen hundred of them!'” Lidia fought for her country bravely.
She started with being a messenger, carrying and delivering illegal newspapers to other people. Then, she became more active in the fighting, as shown on page 186. It states, “‘Now let’s talk about you. How would you feel about helping with some of the more active fighting?’ My smile widened. ‘I’m in.'” Page 186 explains that Lidia wanted to take real action in the resistance.
One strength the book Uprising has is that it’s very interesting, and will help kids, ages nine to twelve, learn more about World War II. For example, there is an Author’s Note at the end of the book — pages 365 to 368 —, explaining which details in the story are true and which ones are made up. Also, the book will hook kids from start to finish. When I read Uprising, I couldn’t put it down!
One weakness of the book Uprising is that it is sometimes confusing. For instance, the book said, “Then there was nothing” (296). That was a bit confusing at first, but the next chapter — chapter 53 — explained what that meant. But most of the book is easy to follow.
Along with recommending Uprising to ages nine through twelve, suggesting that children first gather an understanding of World War II before reading this book is also beneficial, as the book dives into a deeper understanding of it. Some children don’t like to read, but Uprising will make them change their opinion. Read Uprising, by Jennifer A. Nielsen!!!
SOURCE: Uprising, by Jennifer A. Nielsen