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WAR GAMES

Alan Gratz

During the 1936 Olympic Games, a young American gymnast is recruited to rob a Nazi bank. (Ages 9 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Middle-grade prose is accessible, but wartime danger, invasion, displacement, weapons, and emotionally serious consequences may be intense for younger readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

War brings serious loss and the possibility of death; grief and the human cost of conflict are treated seriously.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Minimal descriptions of injury; the focus remains on tension and suspense.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Uses age-appropriate language with occasional mild exclamations.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a central theme.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor focus, if any; secondary to the primary plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The invasion, military danger, pursuit, uncertainty, and threats to children and families create sustained tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to smoking or drinking by adults consistent with the historical period.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

War is central, with invasion, soldiers, weapons, danger, combat-related threats, and characters trying to survive armed conflict.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Courage is central: children and families face occupation, displacement, and danger while trying to protect one another.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes curiosity about historical events and critical thinking about systemic issues.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the diverse individuals involved in historical events within the era's context.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Historical fiction gives readers context about Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, civilians in war, and the Gulf War era.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Compassion, cooperation, and care for family and vulnerable people matter amid conflict, though the plot is also danger-driven.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes family loyalty, compassion, resilience, freedom, and the importance of seeing civilians as people rather than enemies.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Young characters show loyalty, resourcefulness, responsibility, and courage while facing frightening circumstances.

Family discussion

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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 WAR GAMES would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in WAR GAMES, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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