Dickens & Rumi
Cover of MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES

book

MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES

Adam Gidwitz

Max returns to Berlin on a secret mission, but also to find his parents. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The adventure format suits middle-grade readers, but Nazi persecution, antisemitism, wartime danger, and emotionally serious choices call for some maturity and discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Religious themes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The wartime setting involves serious danger and possible loss, but no clearly established major on-page death or sustained grief is evident.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild, age-appropriate language throughout.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Mentions cultural and traditional beliefs of Bhutan as part of the setting.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Nazi persecution, captivity, pursuit, and dangerous magical situations create recurring tension and fear, though the book is written for middle-grade readers.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Wartime threats, pursuit, fighting, and resistance-related peril occur in a fantasy adventure context. Conflict is meaningful but not graphically described.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters show sustained bravery by confronting fear, injustice, persecution, and lies, with courage central to the story's moral choices.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imaginative play and critical inquiry.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse range of characters and cultural settings.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides educational insight into Bhutanese culture and the concept of 'fake news'.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Characters prioritize compassion and community care.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong emphasis on critical thinking, media literacy, and the importance of honesty.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate curiosity, teamwork, and integrity.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereMAX IN THE LAND OF LIES
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating