Summer of My German Soldier facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Bette Greene |
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| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult fiction |
| Publisher | Dial Press |
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Publication date
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1973 |
| Media type | Book |
| Pages | 230 (sometimes 193 in paperback) |
| ISBN | 0803783213 |
| Followed by | Morning Is a Long Time Coming |
Summer of My German Soldier is a popular book written by Bette Greene. It was first published in 1973.
The story is told from the point of view of Patty Bergen. She is a twelve-year-old Jewish girl. Patty lives in Jenkinsville, Arkansas, during World War II. The book is about the special friendship that grows between Patty and an escaped German soldier named Anton.
Patty first meets Anton when German prisoners of war visit her father's store. Anton helps Patty feel good about herself. He teaches her that she is a valuable person. In return, Patty helps Anton by hiding him in a secret place above her father's garage.
This book has a sequel called Morning Is a Long Time Coming.
Contents
Characters in the Story
Main Characters
- Patricia Anne Bergen: Patty is a 12-year-old Jewish girl. She lives in Jenkinsville, Arkansas, during World War II. Patty is very smart and loves learning new things, especially about words. At the start of the book, Patty feels bad about herself. This is because her mother often criticizes her looks. Her father is also very harsh with her. As Patty becomes friends with Anton, she starts to feel more confident and valuable.
- Fredrick Anton Reiker: Anton is a German soldier. He comes from northeastern Germany. His mother is from Manchester, England, so he is half English. Anton's father is a history professor. He got into trouble for making fun of Hitler. Anton does not support the Nazi party or its ideas. He teaches Patty that she is a person of worth.
- Ruth Hughes: Ruth is the Bergen family's maid. She takes care of Patty and her younger sister, Sharon. Ruth is very kind and loving to Patty. She is an important person in Patty's life. Ruth is the only one who knows Patty is hiding Anton. She keeps their secret safe.
- Harry Bergen: Harry is Patty's father. He owns a department store in town. He is very focused on money. Harry seems to prefer his younger daughter, Sharon, over Patty. He is often harsh with Patty.
- Pearl Bergen: Pearl is Patty's mother. She cares a lot about her appearance. Pearl often says negative things about Patty's looks and behavior. She also seems to favor Sharon, her younger daughter.
Other Characters
- Sharon Bergen: Sharon is Patty's younger sister. Their parents and most people in Jenkinsville like Sharon more. Patty feels a bit jealous of how much love Sharon gets. But Patty still cares for her sister.
- Freddy Dowd: Freddy is Patty's only school friend. Patty's father does not like their friendship. He might not approve because Freddy is poor. Patty's father even punishes her when he catches her with Freddy. Freddy is a bit slow and doesn't understand why Patty sometimes avoids him.
- Edna Louise Jackson: Edna is a wealthy friend of Patty's. She goes away to a Baptist camp for the summer. Patty wants to go too, but her mother says no because they are Jewish. The book shows how some people are unfair. For example, Edna's grandfather cheated Ruth's mother out of her savings.
- Charlene Madlee: Charlene is a reporter and a friend of Patty's. They meet at Patty's father's store. Charlene inspires Patty to want to become a journalist. She gives Patty hope for her future. Charlene also tells Patty about her court trial later on.
- Sister Parker: Sister Parker works at the department store. She was there when Anton first came in. She also heard Patty talk about a special ring. She enjoys sharing news and gossip.
Where and When the Story Happens
The story takes place in the early 1940s. This was during World War II. The setting is Jenkinsville, Arkansas. Many scenes happen at Patty's house and her grandparents' house.
Important Ideas in the Book
The book explores many important ideas, also called themes. These include fairness, feeling good about yourself, and family relationships.
Fairness and How People Treat Others
The book shows different kinds of unfairness. For example, Anton is a German soldier. People might think he supports the Nazis and dislikes Jewish people. But Anton does not support the Nazis. He becomes friends with Patty, who is Jewish. He is proud of Germany, but not of the Nazi party. The townspeople also show unfairness towards the German soldiers. Many white families in town also have Black servants, which shows another type of unfairness at the time.
Feeling Good About Yourself
Another important idea is how to feel good about yourself. This is especially true when things are difficult. At the beginning of the book, Patty's father is harsh with her. Her mother also criticizes her. But as Patty gets to know Anton, she starts to feel better about herself. She learns that she is a valuable person.
Family Relationships
Family is another big idea in this book. Often, the family relationships shown are difficult for Patty. This is especially true with her parents.
Other Versions of the Story
Film Adaptation
In 1978, the book was made into a TV movie. It was also called Summer of My German Soldier. Kristy McNichol played Patty. Bruce Davison played Anton. The movie was very popular. It won a Humanitas Prize. It also received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Esther Rolle won "Best Supporting Actress" for playing Ruth. In the movie, the town of Jenkinsville is in Georgia, not Arkansas.
Musical Version
A musical version of the novel was also created. David Brush wrote the story and songs. Jim Farley wrote the music. The musical opened in Ohio in August 2002. It was put on by the Encore Theater Company.
