Starred Review German theologians are atypical in biographies for youth, but nothing about Dietrich Bonhoeffer was typical. McCormick, author of powerhouses like Sold (2006) and Never Fall Down (2012), takes on the plots to assassinate Adolf Hitler by sidestepping biographers' usual favorite e dashing, eye-patched Claus von Stauffenberg focus on the quiet, scholarly Bonhoeffer, who, by his early twenties, was already a star in religious philosophy circles. His staunch belief that one should "heil" God, not a government, sat uneasily with the ascendant Nazi Party. Intense periods of reflection, including two trips to America, resulted in Bonhoeffer's landmark publication of The Cost of Discipleship, which guided readers to take actions based on their beliefs. Hitler, he said, had "thrown all ethical concepts into confusion." Translation: his murder was necessary, and Bonhoeffer would act as a double-agent spy to help it happen d die in the effort. McCormick resists numerous lures to amp up the action, opting instead for a concise, levelheaded approach, with the text divided into short chapters and ingeniously interspersed with mini time lines to maintain historical context without ever leaving Bonhoeffer's side. Sidebars and photos are standard-issue, but that takes nothing away from the tragic, inspirational, and quite unusual tale of a man who was the moral center of a resistance movement that, though it failed, continues to live on in international memory. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Few nonfiction authors are cannier at choosing subjects than two-time National Book Award winner McCormick. Expect great reviews and high interest.

In short, chronological chapters, two-time National Book Award-finalist McCormick (Never Fall Down) recounts the life of theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, his efforts to alert the world to the horrors of Hitler-s Germany, and his conversion from pacifism to would-be assassin in a failed effort to overthrow the dictator. In this carefully researched work, McCormick synthesizes complex realities, documenting the gradual capitulation of the German church to Hitler-s vision of the -Reichskirche,- in which the swastika replaced the cross; the resistance of the Pastors- Emergency League; and the apathy of European ministers, who refused to -take a stand against Hitler.- Chapters open by drawing readers into Bonhoeffer-s personal story (-The doorbell rang, and the parlor maid at the Bonhoeffer home hurried to answer it-) and close with hooks indicating his larger historical role (-The young pastor had become a double agent-). Photographs and inset sidebars provide supplementary historical information. Without oversimplifying, McCormick offers a lucid history of the rise of Nazi Germany and a dramatic account of one man-s resistance to evil. Ages 8-up. Agent: Heather Schroder, Compass Talent. (Sept.)-

Gr 5 Up-McCormick provides a very readable account of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life, from his wealthy childhood in Berlin to his death at the hands of the Nazis in 1945. Readers learn of Bonhoeffer's family, childhood, talent as a piano prodigy, and eventual calling to become a minister. He traveled to Spain, the United States, and England as he tried to reconcile his deep faith with the growing Nazi threat at home. Ultimately, though he had pacifist views, Bonhoeffer joined the German effort to assassinate Hitler. Despite the title, McCormick omits many details in the conspiracy. The focus is primarily on Bonhoeffer and his personal struggles. However, this account of his life is interesting and enlightening. Michael J. Martin's Champion of Freedom: Dietrich Bonhoeffer is more comprehensive, but McCormick's is a more compelling read. VERDICT An appealing narrative suited for students interested in history but not quite ready for heavy analysis. Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA