Gratz, known for his skillful depiction of young protagonists in war, once again delivers a tale of heroism set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany. Though Ireland is officially neutral, Michael and his family are anything but uninvolved. His father is outwardly playing the diplomatic role, while his mother is secretly spying for the British, gathering vital intelligence for the Allies.
Michael, as a member of the Hitler Youth, is tasked with playing along—pretending to support Nazi propaganda while quietly collecting information that could help win the war. As Michael navigates the dangerous and morally complex world of the Hitler Youth, he forms an unexpected friendship with Fritz Brendler, whose father is involved in Projekt , a top-secret plan to develop a revolutionary new airplane.
Gratz expertly builds tension as Michael, already in a precarious position, becomes entangled in even riskier situations when he is recruited for a mission to Switzerland. His task: to help eliminate a group of scientists whose work for the Allied forces poses a threat to Nazis. What sets Projekt apart from other World War II stories is the way it shows a young boy grappling with his own moral compass in a world where right and wrong seem increasingly blurred.
Michael must make difficult decisions—balancing his role as a friend to Fritz and his duty to the greater good. The friendships he forms, the sacrifices he makes, and his transformation from a boy pretending to be a spy to a true hero are at the heart of the story. For readers who are fans of historical fiction, particularly those fascinated by World War II, Projekt offers a compelling, high-stakes narrative with a unique perspective.
Drawing from her experience as a doctor in the US healthcare system, Means emphasizes that feeling like shite is not inevitable. The book is a framework for optimizing your energy levels, with lessons on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness. She also digs into the underlying causes of low energy and how mitochondrial health—the powerhouse of our cells—needs to be addressed.
