The Berlin Boxing Club

This novel surprised me. I will admit that I am one of the few who did not fall in love with The Book Thief. I loved the use of Death as a narrator, but the story did not captivate me as much as I would have liked. This story did captivate me. I found myself entranced by this wolrld, living in the fear and determination. Karl was a relatable character, showing strengths and flaws. He was real. His situation with bullies is timeless. His struggle with accepting himself for who he is can be compared to many other types of situations. His desire to grow stronger, be better, and find courage makes him endearing. Though I was not a teen during WW2, I see much of myself in Karl. I recommend this highly. This novel deserves a film adaptation. It is incredible.

A very disturbing,dark and anguishing story placed in the historical context of Nazi Germany in the thirties of the last century, the time shortly before the outbreak of war, probably the years from 1936 to 1938. It tells the story, strictly from within Germany, and answers questions like: What did it mean to be a Jew in Germany during that time, shortly before, during and after the "Kristallnacht". How did it feel to be a Jewish youngster (religious or not at all) who went to school with Nazis and not Nazis (but how to know who is and who is not ?!), and other Jews and wanted to be - as everybody - liked by his peers, who had the dream of becoming a Junior Boxing Champion, and the good luck to have the talent necessary to achieve that goal, and besides to be trained by the Heavyweight World Champion Max Schmeling, icon of German and Arian supremacy? What did it mean to be a German, not necessarily a Nazi, trying to just "muddle through" or even an anti-Nazi? How did the climate (of collective paranoia and hate) that permeated every aspect of daily life, feel on either side? Very well written, tansmits masterfully the climate one would assume reigned in those days.

The Berlin Boxing Club will be a classic. "Not all Germans are the same. It is only politics. It will pass." Every time Karl tries to talk to an adult about what is happening in his neighborhood in Berlin in 1934 that is what they say. Even his Jewish parents. Karl decides if he can become the greatest young boxer in Germany, it will change people's impressions of Jews. Max Schmeling is a family friend, and he arranges for Karl to train at his gym. Since no one at the gym knows Karl is Jewish, he continues to compete even after Hitler enacts the Nuremberg Race Laws. As things go from difficult to desperate to dangerous, many Jews, including Karl's parents, still say, "It will pass." By the time of Kristallnacht in 1938, Karl's father has lost his art gallery, the family has been forced to sell off all of their possessions so there is no money to escape, and most of their friends have already emigrated or been arrested. Teens will be engaged by Karl's determination and harrowing experiences. Some will be enthralled by the detailed descriptions of boxing training and fights. Adults will be dismayed at how naive Karl's parents are even as their family and friends are being arrested. The Berlin Boxing Club takes the reader to heart of Berlin in the 30's and into the lives of Karl, his family and his family's friends.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have read a book about boxing. I did, however, and I loved it. Since it looked like a children's book, I read some of the reviews before I bought it. Basically, it is for young adults, but it can also appeal to adults. This is the story of a 14 year old Jewish boy named Karl Stern in the 1930's. At that time the persecution of the Jews in Germany was getting worse, with Karl being beaten up by his classmates and/or the Hitler Youth. Karl's father happened to be friends with Max Schmeling, the champion boxer of Germany. Due to an agreement between Max and Karl's father, Max agreed to take Karl on as a student boxer. Karl worked out on his own, and also at the Berlin Boxing Club. This book is historical fiction which I love especially when it is well written. I highly recommend The Berlin Boxing Club for both children and adults. If a book about boxing can interest me (since I have very little interest in the sport) then, it is a good book.

Originally my brother gave me his old book of this which was agreat read and I am not so much of a reading person but after completing the book it was ruined so I ordered him a new one and I have 0 complaints

I love Holocaust books, but this one takes place in the 30's prior to WWII. It's a great way to see what was taking place prior to the Holocaust and how things led up to the Holocaust

I enjoyed this book as it told the horrors of what happened to the Jews, my family, leading up to WW II. My father was a jewish boxer, and that's how he defected out of communist Russia after the war.

This book captures a period in history that led up to WWII. The hero of the book, a young boy, befriends Max Schmeling the great German boxer who split two bouts with Joe Louis. The story describes the disenfranchisement of a Jewish family during the 1930's. It's painful to read but is told in a straightforward and honest manner.

13 year old son ordered for his classroom AR points. Reluctant reader but he loved this book

I normally hate to read books and in class assignments drive me nuts. Our teacher was very entertaining and she told us each which book she recommends of the 5. I was recommended this one and the first itme in 10 years I actually finished a book without having to use sparknotes. I don't want to spoil the story so I rather keep my mouth shut on whats going to happen You can read the back cover intro and see if you like it but I suggest it

This novel surprised me. I will admit that I am one of the few who did not fall in love with The Book Thief. I loved the use of Death as a narrator, but the story did not captivate me as much as I would have liked. This story did captivate me. I found myself entranced by this wolrld, living in the fear and determination. Karl was a relatable character, showing strengths and flaws. He was real. His situation with bullies is timeless. His struggle with accepting himself for who he is can be compared to many other types of situations. His desire to grow stronger, be better, and find courage makes him endearing. Though I was not a teen during WW2, I see much of myself in Karl. I recommend this highly. This novel deserves a film adaptation. It is incredible.

A very disturbing,dark and anguishing story placed in the historical context of Nazi Germany in the thirties of the last century, the time shortly before the outbreak of war, probably the years from 1936 to 1938. It tells the story, strictly from within Germany, and answers questions like: What did it mean to be a Jew in Germany during that time, shortly before, during and after the "Kristallnacht". How did it feel to be a Jewish youngster (religious or not at all) who went to school with Nazis and not Nazis (but how to know who is and who is not ?!), and other Jews and wanted to be - as everybody - liked by his peers, who had the dream of becoming a Junior Boxing Champion, and the good luck to have the talent necessary to achieve that goal, and besides to be trained by the Heavyweight World Champion Max Schmeling, icon of German and Arian supremacy? What did it mean to be a German, not necessarily a Nazi, trying to just "muddle through" or even an anti-Nazi? How did the climate (of collective paranoia and hate) that permeated every aspect of daily life, feel on either side? Very well written, tansmits masterfully the climate one would assume reigned in those days.

The Berlin Boxing Club will be a classic. "Not all Germans are the same. It is only politics. It will pass." Every time Karl tries to talk to an adult about what is happening in his neighborhood in Berlin in 1934 that is what they say. Even his Jewish parents. Karl decides if he can become the greatest young boxer in Germany, it will change people's impressions of Jews. Max Schmeling is a family friend, and he arranges for Karl to train at his gym. Since no one at the gym knows Karl is Jewish, he continues to compete even after Hitler enacts the Nuremberg Race Laws. As things go from difficult to desperate to dangerous, many Jews, including Karl's parents, still say, "It will pass." By the time of Kristallnacht in 1938, Karl's father has lost his art gallery, the family has been forced to sell off all of their possessions so there is no money to escape, and most of their friends have already emigrated or been arrested. Teens will be engaged by Karl's determination and harrowing experiences. Some will be enthralled by the detailed descriptions of boxing training and fights. Adults will be dismayed at how naive Karl's parents are even as their family and friends are being arrested. The Berlin Boxing Club takes the reader to heart of Berlin in the 30's and into the lives of Karl, his family and his family's friends.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have read a book about boxing. I did, however, and I loved it. Since it looked like a children's book, I read some of the reviews before I bought it. Basically, it is for young adults, but it can also appeal to adults. This is the story of a 14 year old Jewish boy named Karl Stern in the 1930's. At that time the persecution of the Jews in Germany was getting worse, with Karl being beaten up by his classmates and/or the Hitler Youth. Karl's father happened to be friends with Max Schmeling, the champion boxer of Germany. Due to an agreement between Max and Karl's father, Max agreed to take Karl on as a student boxer. Karl worked out on his own, and also at the Berlin Boxing Club. This book is historical fiction which I love especially when it is well written. I highly recommend The Berlin Boxing Club for both children and adults. If a book about boxing can interest me (since I have very little interest in the sport) then, it is a good book.

Originally my brother gave me his old book of this which was agreat read and I am not so much of a reading person but after completing the book it was ruined so I ordered him a new one and I have 0 complaints

I love Holocaust books, but this one takes place in the 30's prior to WWII. It's a great way to see what was taking place prior to the Holocaust and how things led up to the Holocaust

I enjoyed this book as it told the horrors of what happened to the Jews, my family, leading up to WW II. My father was a jewish boxer, and that's how he defected out of communist Russia after the war.

This book captures a period in history that led up to WWII. The hero of the book, a young boy, befriends Max Schmeling the great German boxer who split two bouts with Joe Louis. The story describes the disenfranchisement of a Jewish family during the 1930's. It's painful to read but is told in a straightforward and honest manner.

13 year old son ordered for his classroom AR points. Reluctant reader but he loved this book

I normally hate to read books and in class assignments drive me nuts. Our teacher was very entertaining and she told us each which book she recommends of the 5. I was recommended this one and the first itme in 10 years I actually finished a book without having to use sparknotes. I don't want to spoil the story so I rather keep my mouth shut on whats going to happen You can read the back cover intro and see if you like it but I suggest it

The Berlin Boxing Club is a great read that seamlessly mixes historical facts and fiction. Under the cover of an excellent boxing tale lays the build up of Nazi influence and the Holocaust. The portrayal of Max Schmelling was both realistic and compassionate. I highly recommend this book.

I'm drawn to stories during the nazi regime in Germany as I was a lad at that time, also I did some amateur boxing during my school years so I am attracted to stories about fighters. It is a five star book according to my interests.

Packed with emotion and action this book was hard to put down Totally recommend it. any boxing enthusiast would love this book

Interesting story

My grandson loved this book. He appreciated the intertwining of history and sport.

My sons (ages 14 and 11) and I all loved this book, as did the rest of our mother-son book group, where the sons are becoming somewhat reluctant, hard-to-please readers. This book is well-written and fast-paced, and looks at Nazi Germany through the eyes of a non-practicing Jewish teenager, as well as through the lenses of art and boxing. It is beautifully told but never flags--you won't want to put it down. I highly recommend it.

My 14 yr old son read this for school. Blazed through it in a week. Really enjoyed it. Decided he wants to read more historical fiction now.

Good story and interesting descriptions of Schmelling and his fights. Could have been a little deeper, but it was fiction after all. I really wished it had gone on with a little f life in America and his boxing career

ive read this book years ago on my nook but since I saw over here on kindle on sale it was worth the rebuy the book gives you a good vivid picture of what life must of been during world war II and also I like that it has comics and boxing theme to the book which makes it an interesting read

This story was well told. Exciting and sad. People do what is necessary to survive under all situations. Life is lived for the moment, decisions are made with the available facts. Read and enjoy.

Didn't realize this was HarperTeen when I bought it. Usually not a fan of young adult fiction, but I read the whole thing in one sitting. The backdrop of the Nazi's rise to power, Max Schmelling, and other details in the book seem historically accurate. I really liked this book.

Interesting look in Berlin in the 30s where the famous boxer Max Schemling helps young Jewish boy learn to box.

I have studied the Holocaust and Nazi Germany in school, but this book opened my eyes to the extent of hate and violence against the Jews. I literally laughed and cried. The beautiful blending of fact and fiction made thus book come alive. The author did an amazing job of writing. If you are into Historical fiction, I highly recommend this book.

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The historical context makes the novel so believable!! The fiery fear and anguish that was felt by a once helpless buy transforms into unstoppable young man in the ring. A story of tough trials, pursuit of passion, and the will to survive in what seems like the pit of hell. Highly recommended this book! -Best of luck, Drake

Unique juxtaposition of a male's adolescent evolution with the rise of Nazi propaganda and violence. This kid creates his own albeit, secret propaganda while growing in physical strength and mental fortitude.

great movie

I ended up hating this one because I like Unboxing vidoes on youtube, so I thought why not give a boxing book a shot. Not what I thought it was, 1 star.

Another Holocaust story. They all fascinate me. The thing about evil is its relentlessness.

I loved this book! Great for the more reluctant reader in late middle school or early high school. Sharenow really puts you in Nazi Germany thru the eyes of the less fortunate.

A page turner that reaches the reader on several levels.

I am a 14 year old and am having to read this book for a summer project for school. I dread having to read but this book is an amazing story which you learn a thing or two about boxing and a ton about the the holocaust. Sticks through the first couple chapters and I promise you you'll love it!

I enjoyed reading this work of historical fiction, a good mix of fact and fiction. A poignant taste of how petty and fickle most humans are, and yet how heroic and effective those from who we least expect, can be.

Smple read but does give an elementary insight to nazi Germany.

This was a very "fun" read. However, I was disappointed in the ending. I thought the author wrote it like he didn't know what to do with it.

Loved the book from start to finish, remarkable story told in an excellent and intriguing manner, a genuine page turner.

This book was a true story that revealed a lot. There were moment that made me full of joy and there were times when I was sad. I wish there was a second book. So much happened that will make your mind blow when you read this novel.

Very interesting period novel, loosely based on history.

I like this book so much because it shows the reality of being a Jew and the hardships people faced during the Holocaust and the suspense is great overall this book is very entertaining.

Great story!!!

Amazing & could not put down. Highly recommend.

Loved this book, going to keep it. Beautiful articulation of human spirit coming to life in the pages. I was so touched at the way one could overcome adversity. Keeps me grateful and right sized.

I loved the story and sent it to a great nephew who is 14. The only thing I dispproved of was his list of priorities. I scratched out the 3rd one I think, before I sent it to my great nephew.

Great book. My son enjoyed it and read it quickly.

A great book with a combination of action, emotion, and truth about what Germany was like before, during, and after the Holocaust. This book is a must read!

Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. Great character development and story structure. Highly recommend for any fan of boxing and ww2.

Incredible. It is for a school project and I never wanted to put the book down. I recommend it to people who are interested in the holocaust and Hitler. Unbelievable awesome book everyone should be reading this. SPECTACULAR

Interesting view on something I knew nothing about. Jaw dropper in several places... Definitely a must read... Four out of Five

Very well written , following Max Schmelling historically, and the Nazi evil that prevailed at that time

I loved the book. I would have liked to have known what happened to Mom and Dad and the life in America. Maybe a sequel.

for school

Great read

Good if you like boxing and if you want to learn about world war two. I read it for school.

Easy read - hard to put down.

This book was ordered for summer reading and came in quickly and my son enjoyed the book. He said it was a very good book.

I loved every minute of the book. It was simply amazing showing true emotion. Probably th e emotions of all Jewish people during the Nazi reign in Germany

I really enjoyed this book because it keeps you on the edge of your seat and talks from the perspective of and unlikely source. A teenage boy.

This book drew me in as books based in Nazi Germany usually do. As in that I finished it the same day I got it. I picked this book up at around 4:00 PM and finished it at around 10:00 PM. This was not because this book was an easy read, it was that i couldnt put it down. The characters are so unique and realistic that i was believing that the story was true untill i looked at the back of the book where it has a great authors note that gives any information that you may request.

Although this book deals with the Holocaust, it is not a usual Holocaust book. It is unlike any other World War 2 book I've read and for that reason, it is one of the best books I've read, ever. I am currently working on fitting this book into my junior high curriculum. Because of this book, I also bought Robert Sharenow's other book, "My Mom the Cheerleader", I'm anxious to read it when it arrives.

Very good.

This book always kept you on the edge of your seat and deserves a five star rating. It had very great action in it too.

Although the story is very interesting, the writing bogs down and is often wordy and prolonged. The story draws you in,but the writing slows it down to a crawl.

My son had to read this for his 8th grade class. He enjoyed it and he is not much of a reader.

I liked it but to much It had great deaitel it wad cool and very fun lol the bosd book

Awesome

I enjoyed the book but if you don't like a book that happens in the past or involves religious segregation then do not read this book. Over all really great book.

A very thought out book

This book was a great read. Read because it was on my sons book list for summer glad I did

I loved the idea of the time period. I loved the characters. Well written. I couldn't wait to go back and continue reading. The fiction story about a family and their troubles, and the mix with the nonfictional characters was genius. Well done Rob Sharenow!! Can't wait to read more of your stuff.

I couldn't get past the first few pages. My standards for writing are too high. This has a lot of cliches and adverbs that choke up clarity.

I could not put this book down. What I most liked about the book was that although it detailed the anti-Semitism in pre-World War II Germany, there were glimpses of what life was like before the Nazis starting gaining power, so the reader could understand why people could not believe what was happening, or that it would pass. This key component helps establish this huge sense of loss and incredulousness on the part of the Jews in Germany. While the ending left a lot up in the air (whether Karl's parents survived), a happy ending would have been too contrived, and a sad ending would not have been a satisfying conclusion to a great story. While not as literary as "The Book Thief," it has some of the same elements that made that book so wonderful: a great main character - Karl Stern ended up being a hero; well developed secondary characters like his family, the men at the boxing club, his girlfriend, "The Countess," and, of course, Max Schmeling; interesting intertwined stories that included the ban on "degenerate" art, the world of boxing, and Karl's interest in comics books; and a sense of history. I just read "In the Garden of the Beasts" about the US Ambassador to Germany in the early 1930s, and I would recommend reading that in conjunction with "The Berlin Boxing Club" to get two different angles on what was going on in Germany.

The Berlin Boxing Club is not only a stunningly well written book, it is also a brutal and engaging story that will leave readers in stunned silence while they fervently search for the next page that will never come. The Berlin Boxing Club looks into the world of Jewish Germans during World War II, but instead of focusing on the world of religious Jews, The Berlin Boxing Club instead focuses on Jews who are instead Jews by heritage but not by religious affiliation. The story focuses on a number of important elements; from their family's persecution, to a coming of age story revolving around the world of boxing, to understanding who someone is, not based on what they look like but instead based on the courage of their actions and the strength in their convictions. Of course besides having a captivating and moving story, The Berlin Boxing Club also contains fantastic characters and action. All the characters, from The Countess, to Karl, to Max, are robust, realistic, and well written. Of course besides the good, Berlin Boxing Club, also demonstrates how the German people were swept up into the thick of it all. It does not paint them all as monsters, instead it paints some as hideous creatures who enjoy the suffering of others, some who choose to take advantage of those who are downtrodden, and most of all it shows the majority of people too scared to defy these groups, and so because of their own fears give in to the cruelty and discrimination that goes on. All in all The Berlin Boxing Club is a fantastic book. It is gripping, realistic, full of both action and emotions, and is truly a superb story. This book should be read in classrooms along with other holocaust books such as the Diary of Anne Frank. And will find an audience among boys, girls, and adults; as the characters and story are developed enough to capture anyone who is willing to listen to its tale.

Great historical fiction novel starring Karl, a Jewish 14 year old, who can pass for Gentile and has been raised in an agnostic home. He lives with his parents and younger sister in Berlin at start of Hitler's power. Karl is bullied by the Wolf Pack, who humiliate him because of his heritage, and eventually taken under the wing of boxing great Max Shmeling, who gives Karl a training routine and teaches him to box. The story looks at a brutal time in history, with an eye toward mid-teen readers, as Karl struggles with resentment of his family's reduced circumstances, teenage lust for a neighbor, tempered by a mature work ethic and a good heart. The story, while somber, is not without points of humor, and the chapters are punctuated by occasional drawings when Karl's artistic side comes out. Fans of Sharenow's book MY MOTHER THE CHEERLEADER (also excellent) will see parallels in the writing style, as Sharenow takes a hard look at an ugly time. About me: I'm a middle school/high school librarian How I got this book: purchased it for the library

I originally saw this book mentioned on The Book Smugglers, which introduced it into my mind but I resisted checking it out at my library due to my lack of interest in boxing. However earlier I resolved to read more historical fiction because I adore the genre and would like to promote it more so I grabbed this off the shelf of my library. Immediately I started reading and got through about a quarter incredibly fast before going back to my review books. I was so caught up in the story of a young Jewish boy named Karl Stern in the mid to late 1930s. Hitler is in power and the situation is just starting to get ugly as demonstrated by bullies who seek out Karl in the opening chapters. However his parents think it may be just temporary and no one seems too concerned yet. However as the book travels through time (and it covers a few years, culminating in Kristallnacht, November 1938), tensions rise and Karl's danger is readily felt. One aspect I worried about was the boxing element. I don't really like boxing and I thought it would be really boring. But it was actually pretty exciting. First because it doesn't dominate the book; there are lots of other story lines. Second because it was well-written and broad. Karl doesn't just box; he also undergoes intense physical training that is necessary to build his stamina for the ring. Additionally because of his background, he is filled with a strong urge to prove himself. His initially scrawny physique covers the heart of a champion. Another fun aspect was the inclusion of cartoons as Karl is an artist. He would like to draw cartoons for a newspaper but his father doesn't approve of that; still he doesn't stop him. These sketches include stories Karl draws for his sister and portraits of boxers, those famous and those Karl faces himself. I love books with pictures and this was no exception. Really there is SO much in this book: family, romance, sport, politics, art. It is a bit on the long side for YA but it utilizes its pages so well. There isn't filler though; there's just a lot that Sharenow wants to cover and he does it so well. One of my favorite (although heartbreaking) aspects is that Karl doesn't look Jewish while his younger sister Hildy does, causing her immense self-hatred that Karl is sometimes too self-absorbed to notice. This relationship between the siblings is normally pretty strong but due to Nazi rhetoric, it is splintered. Not everything gets wrapped up but the story has a somewhat optimistic ending that shouldn't leave you bawling. While an amazing book that I highly recommend, I did have two little problems. First I thought there was a little too much about Max Schmeling and his neutrality and inscrutability about the politics of Germany. I did really enjoy the Author's Note at the end about him though-very interesting. The other was that I had a little trouble following the timeline and figuring out how much time had passed. The book is divided into parts, each part stating what year(s) it covers but I still had trouble with how much time had passed between chapters. Overall: Highly recommended historical fiction about Nazi Germany

This is a fantastic book based in Nazi era Germany. Karl Stern, is Jewish by birth but not by religion. His family does not practice nor do they have anything to do with being Jewish. Karl has never really had a problem with any kids because he doesn't really have the look of a Jew. He soon finds out that it doesn't matter if you practice the religion, or if you look the part. To those in Nazi Germany, a Jew is a Jew. Karl is cornered by some kids he deems as "The Wolf Pack" and they confront him about being a Jew, this is his first experience with hatred towards Jews and it will only get worse. Karl's father is a art dealer, and a very stubborn and prideful man. Even though most artist are leaving Germany do to Hitler taking away the freedom to express oneself in any form but the way of Nazis, Karl's father still hold to his art gallery. After Karl is beat up, his father makes a deal with Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German national hero. Max wanted a painted that Sig (Karl's father) has so they make a deal that Max will give Karl boxing lesson and Max can have the painting. Karl is thrilled, and soon starts a training regimen that Max gives him. As things start heating up in Germany, Karl soon realizes how bad it really is for the Jewish population. Although his father refuses to see it, it will eventual catch up to Karl and his family. This is a story told through the eyes of a teenager as he sees his world crumbling before him as Hitlers propaganda grows. I can honestly say when I was asked to review this book that I wasn't really sure whether to say yes or no, this is really not my type of book. I am not a big fan of any stories set around WWII, as its not my favorite war. My step-grandfather was part Jew and so I get a little aggravated when reading or watching anything to do with WWII, but this was a very well told story. The author took actual characters and events and then wove a fictitious story around them, and he did it with creative style. Max Schemling was a real German boxer from the Nazi era and I found it very interesting how the author puts him into the story. From the very first page I knew this story was going to upset me as well as entertain me. This is the first time in a long time, that I have read a book that grabbed me from the first page and held my attention to the last page. Karl Stern is a well developed character and you really can feel his conflicting emotions through out the story. I really wanted to punch the punching bag with him when he was frustrated. From the things that happen within his own life (girlfriend, friends, school, boxing), to what was happening with his family as a whole. This story is very fast paced and gripping and I think even if its not your style of book that it is a powerful enough book to get anybodies attention. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Robert Sharenow's gripping new historical novel for teens tells the story of fourteen-year old Karl Stern, a young boy growing up in Berlin on the cusp of the Second World War. He's never thought of himself as a Jew--his parents are agnostic, he's never been to synagogue, and with his fair coloring, small nose, and tall, skinny build, he doesn't "look" Jewish. But it's 1934, and the bullies at his school are terrorizing the handful of Jewish students. After they beat him up, Karl providentially gets the opportunity to take boxing lessons with the world-famous German heavyweight Max Schmeling, who it turns out is a friend of his father's. Karl's never been much of an athlete, preferring to spend his free time drawing cartoons inspired by American and German comic strips. In fact, his comics are interspersed throughout the novel. He's lived a comfortable upper-middle class life in Berlin, with his little sister, their maid, and his parents, who own an art gallery that specialized in expressionist artists--at least until the Nazis deemed their art "degenerate," and forbade galleries to exhibit their work. But with the Nazis in power, business at their gallery is drying up, and their livelihood is coming from printing illicit flyers and serving as a middleman for desperate Jews anxious to sell their art before leaving the country. Throughout this period, boxing becomes an unexpected sanctuary for Karl, and the men of the Berlin Boxing Club, where Schmeling trains when he's in town, become a second family for him. For Karl it's a new world, "a world of men and warriors," where he could dream of becoming German Youth Champion. As long as no one discovers his secret, that is--that he is Jewish. Schmeling puts Karl on a grueling training regimen of shoveling coal, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and running, before he even lets him get in the ring. Karl also has to re-learn how to stand, breathe, and even eat as part of his training. Soon he's sparring with grown-up men at the club, aspiring professional boxers who jokingly dub him "the punching bag." As Karl re-shapes his body, he develops more confidence, even beginning a clandestine relationship with a beautiful Catholic girl in his apartment building. While hiding his Jewish identity from his boxing friends, he's astonished to discover in American boxing magazines at the club that Italians, Irish, blacks, and Jews dominate boxing in the U.S. One famous American fighter is even the son of an Orthodox rabbi! As conditions for Jews worsen throughout Germany with the passing of the Nuremberg laws, Karl is expelled from school for being Jewish, and his family is evicted from their apartment and forced to move into their gallery. At the same time, his idol and mentor, Max Schmeling, is pictured in the press hobnobbing with Hitler, Goebbels, and other Nazi leaders; Karl can't make sense of it, considering he knows Max has many Jewish friends and even his American manager is a Jew. When Max takes on black heavyweight Joe Louis in the ring, it's more than a boxing match; it's a test of the Nazis' theories of Germany racial superiority. The story comes to a climax around the harrowing night of Kristallnacht, when Karl's father's business is targeted by roving bands of Nazis. Will Karl's friend Max be able to help save Karl and his family? Sharenow was clearly inspired by the real-life story of two Jewish boys who were actually rescued by Schmeling on Kristallnacht, although he is careful to note in an author's note that any similarities between the Stern family and the family of the rescued boys are "purely coincidental." The author's note recounts briefly what happened to Schmeling, who was drafted as a paratrooper during the war, an especially dangerous duty that many interpreted as a "punishment" for his loss to Louis. After the war Schmeling because a successful businessman with Coca-Cola, and was one of the pallbearers at Joe Louis' funeral (even paying for the funeral expenses, since Louis had fallen on hard times). An afterword provides details on Sharenow's many sources for this well-researched novel, which included watching newsreels and films of Schmeling and Louis' fights on You Tube, as well as researching comic book pioneers from both Germany and the U.S. and numerous interviews with people who lived in Germany. Sharenow's website includes a variety of historical video clips, not only of Schmeling and Louis' fights, but of Schmeling and his wife, a glamorous German movie star, in a film they made together, Berlin cabaret music, and more. So far Berlin Boxing Club has received well-deserved starred reviews from Kirkus and Publisher's Weekly; it's one of the best books I have read so far this year and I'm hoping this is a book the Printz award committee will be taking a close look at. It's a book that is sure to appeal to many boys--even reluctant readers--but my 16-year old daughter also gobbled it up in one sitting. There's plenty to appeal to adult readers as well, although the book is definitely a coming-of-age tale that's typical of the YA genre. Even the minor characters in the book, such as the cross-dressing "countess" who's an old army buddy of Karl's dad from World War I, are highly memorable. This book is definitely a "must purchase" for public and school libraries.

Against the backdrop of Nazi Germany where the atrocities just keep on coming, a handful of characters resist each in his or her own way. Karl, a weak coward at the beginning of the book, transforms himself into a built fighter who intimidates his erstwhile bullies. Boys will most identify with him, but as an adult reader I was also interested in how the adults in the story coped. From collaboration to escapism to hiding to defeatism to stunning bravery, their stories on the periphery alternately dismayed or outraged or inspired me. There are a lot of responses to the oppression depicted here, and this book would make an awesome book club selection since there is so much to discuss in the behavior of the well-drawn characters. There are plenty of surprises, twists, and irony, and many characters do not respond to the situation as you might guess. Will this book appeal to girls? I think so, given the focus on characters and just generally the excellence of the plot and writing. There is a fair bit of boxing sportswriting, but I would never insult this book by calling it a sports book. I think the character development, relationships, and coming-of-age elements will carry the book for most girls, who might resist based on the synopsis and cover but would likely be just as drawn into the story as I was. Upon finishing this book I immediately recommended it to my son as his next must-read summer selection. I can't wait until he reads it, because this is a book that begs to be shared with someone else. I can't wait to discuss with him what he thinks about how various characters dealt with the cards they were dealt. Truly, this is a wonderful book.

I'm just going to add my voice to the chorus of praise for the Berlin Boxing Club. It is an excellent piece of historical fiction that will engage most any reader grade 7 and up. The characters are rich and vibrant, the pace and the plotting are seamless and the history is simply riveting. Seeing the time before World War II through the eyes of fourteen year old Karl Stern gives a new perspective on the the terror that ran rampant in Germany for anyone who did not fit the Aryan mold. At times this book is truly chilling, and other times poignant and heartbreaking as you get a front row seat to the adolescent fears and trials of a young man desperate to hold on to his self respect and his manhood, when it seems that the whole world is disputing his right to even exist. This is a must read for anyone interested in the time period. Also, any young person looking for a story of adventure, bravery, and self awareness. Boys especially will find much to relate to in Karl, a young man discovering himself and struggling to mark his place in a world gone mad. I work at a public library, and from now on when I get the question " Where can I find the historical fiction", I am going to send them straight to this book. It's a classic that stands well alongside Bartoletti's The Boy Who Dared, and Gleitzman's Once. This one is not to be missed.

I received this book through the Amazon Vine Program and my initial reaction upon looking at the cover was disappointment seeing it was a teen novel. Well, there is truth in old sayings, "Never judge a book by it's cover." The book follows the path of a young teenager through the power grabbing years of the Nazi's. The protagonist does not relate to his heritage and does his best to "blend in" by hiding in plain sight, however when he is exposed to be of Jewish heritage he is forced to learn to fight back against overwhelming odds by making an unlikely alliance with a world class boxer. The descriptions are brutal and the writing reminds me of another excellent book that my son read for 9th grade called "The Book Thief" and my guess is that many of the readers of that book will be reading this one and they and you won't be disappointed. An excellent read for any age.

I had to read this book for a class in my school. I have always loved learning about this era in time, but I haven't really read any books about it. This book combines a great story, with factual information. The story is based on something that actually happened in real life, which, to me, makes it that much more interesting and fun to read. It is a fairly quick read, and it will keep you hooked the entire time. I definitely recommend this book for anyone to read!

I think any book that deals with the real dangers of bullying and being targeted for who you are is something that is timely, but with Robert Sharenow's THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB we are taken back in time when not just what you looked liked mattered but who you were to the world. Karl Stern is a young man that has to learn early in life that things are not always easy in the world, and both young and old can be vicious as well as only concerned about their own self-preservation. When he becomes a part of THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB he thinks he has found someone who is there to help him. Later those thoughts are questioned and Karl is faced with the harsh reality of having to fiend for himself. In the end the fighter Karl becomes is one that is born because of circumstances and the need to be something greater. It's a lesson that young and old today can apply in their own lives when faced with challenges.

#19 Book read in 2012 The Berlin Boxing Club (YA) This book is set in Nazi Germany but that is sort of in the background of Karl Stern's learning to box and coming of age. Karl is given boxing lessons from a premier German boxer. He does well once he trains for a while and begins to win in tournaments. But the others in the boxing club do not know Karl is a Jew and he makes sure to keep that a secret. This book details the discrimination faced by Jews, the condemnation they faced by others and the horrors they endured. But it is not strictly a holocaust novel. Karl is a complex and interesting character and this book details his progression from boy to man. He becomes a strong figure in his family dynamic and he stands up for what he believes in. This book was a good YA historical fiction read. [...]

I have always found the period of WWII fascinating, historically so usually, when I read non-fiction it tends to relate to that era. While I don't read a lot of historical fiction, it stands to reason that if I am do, it will relate to the WWII era as well. The Berlin Boxing Club is a fictional tale skirting the life of German boxer Max Schmeling. I won't pretend that I understand the sport of boxing, but I didn't find it necessary to appreciate this book. Boxing is important to the story only in so much that's important to Max. It's how he uses it to cope with his ever shrinking world. For him, it promotes courage, strength of character, and independent thought and gives him an outlet that is rivaled only by his comic strip drawings which are scattered throughout the chapters. Although, Max's story was interesting, I didn't find it consuming. The stories behind the ancillary characters seemed far more compelling. I'm not sure whether this is because they were well written or because that, compared to the rest of the Jews in Berlin, Max had things pretty easy -even compared to other members of his family. Sometimes Sharenow obliged with tiny glimpses into the lives of the supporting cast, mostly as plot exposition, but I would have loved to know more. Even the ending felt a little unresolved. On the whole, though the story is very solid as it is, I just wanted more. While there are many non-fiction books available to more mature readers on this topic, I think The Berlin Boxing Club is a great introductory novel to the atrocities of WWII, the duplicity of human nature, and survival instincts. [...]

I was not expecting to check this book out at the library; I saw it, read the description really quickly, made a split-second decision, and took it. It was just one of those book you check out on a whim and hope it's give. I was a bit skeptical at first because it didn't seem to be the type of book that I normally read, but once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. World War II-era books that are based in Germany can easily become repetitive and dreary, but luckily The Berlin Boxing Club did not fall into this rut. I loved that Sharenow didn't sugarcoat any of the events; he had many graphic descriptions of the atrocities that occurred to Jews during that time. Because of the emphasis on boxing, I was really able to develop a deeper respect for boxing. Lately I've found that I am a small boxing fan; I don't watch it much or know a lot about it, but I find it much more interesting and entertaining than any other televised sports (i.e. football, basketball, soccer). I really liked that I was able to learn about the basics of boxing alongside Karl. As he learned the different punches and jabs, I learned the different punches and jabs. The character development was a bit confusing to me, however. For instance, Karl was extremely dynamic in many ways, but at the same time there were certain instances where he seemed to hold onto traits that he had in the beginning of the novel. Now, I won't go into detail because I hate spoilers, but there is one instance at the end of the novel where Karl can either choose to help someone or choose to run away like a coward, and the decision that he ends up making is one that I feel he would have made in the beginning of the book before he changed. I felt the beginning-middle half of the book went at a normal, casual pace that was easy to follow. The last half of the book was just as well-written and easy to follow, but I felt that the pacing was a bit too fast. Too much seemed to happen in too short of an amount of time. It was as if the major events happened in the last one hundred pages of the book. Overall, this is, quite, simply, a really good book. It's brutal, cruel, and harsh, but that was the reality of Nazi-era Germany.

I borrowed this book from the library and couldn't put it down. What a great book. I liked The Book Thief a lot, but I loved this one and would recommend this for 13 and above.

A great Historical fiction novel,that starts in the 30's,at the time the Nazi's were trying to rid the World of all Jews. The story centers around a young Jewish boy & his family,whose father was an art dealer & friends with Max S.Germany's most famous boxer. The son trains under the famous boxer in exchange for some art. A very realistic depiction of what life was like for the Jewish family during the early days of Hitler's reign. Great read,will hold your interest.

I had a hard time deciding between four or five stars. Probably 4.5. The book was really interesting and offered a different perspective on the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany as things got progressively worse for them. Also I knew next to nothing about Max Schmeling and very little about boxing as it's a sport I'm not enthusiastic about. I don't remember reading about Kristallnacht from the point of view of one of the victims.

What a wonderful book! Ostensibly a story about a boy learning boxing, it is really the story of the persecution of jews under Hitler in 1935-39. A fascinating slice of history with real boxing history thrown in. The book will especially appeal to boys obviously (and the protagonist's love of cartooning with provided illustrations is a bonus), but girls will also relate to the story of first love, parental relationships, family hardship, etc.

This book has been one of the most interesting that have read in a while. I was not able to put it down. I have always had an interest in historical fiction novels and especially World War II. The novel starts out with introducing a young boy named Karl Stern who lives in Berlin Germany. The novel starts around 1935 when Karl is bullied by the Nazi youth group in his school hallway. He ends up running home and later that night meets famous boxing legend Max Schmeling at his father's art show. Max purchases a panting and asks if Karl would like to take up boxing at as an activity. Karl agrees and begins his training by doing daily work outs and putting coal into his buildings furnace. Max then comes back and tells him he is ready for real boxing lesions. Thought this journey Karl begins to realize the true Anti - Semitism he and his family receives and really begins to express his anger. Karl wins many boxing matches and fells more pride. This has been a very interesting novel for me to read. To see a young fragile quite boy turn into a strong self defense boxing man is very truly amazing and inspiring. I would recommend this to anybody who likes to be inspired and like historical fiction.

Realistic and gutting, The Berlin Boxing Club does a remarkable job of bringing to live not only the Nazi Germany setting, but the prejudices against Jews, regardless of religious practice or not. With a strong sense of hope, and a very easy to like protagonist, there are some great character developments that really drive this book. Blending the setting with a fictional story, and pulling the reader in from the start, this one most definitely merges the past and present in a great way.

A heartbreaking story of a coming of age boy boxing in the Holocaust . Some profanity and violence for young kids. All in all a great book and I reccomend it to anybody.

This book was so well-written and entertaining I literally read it non-stop in 6 hours! I only wish it was another 400 pages. I didn't want the story to end. I was on the end of my seat reading the book. Even though I went through similar experiences as the protagonist 4 decades ago, I could relate to everything Karl went through like it was yesterday.

A captivating book! I had difficulty putting it down.

The Berlin Boxing Club published in April of 2011 by Robert Sharenow. The publisher was Harper Teen. I recommend this book greatly, because it was packed with interesting scenes, igniting your imagination with every page. I will talk about the description of the main character, distinctive quotes that demonstrate the author’s unique way of writing, and my personal opinion of the book. Karl started off as a 13 year old Jewish boy living in the heart of Germany during World War II. Karl was a devoted to boxing the minute he set his eyes on Max Schmeling a professional boxer, that said Karl had great potential in the world of boxing. Karl had great personality, and ethics. His personality was up and down, that’s why I thought as Karl to be such a fascinating character. His feelings, and emotions would reflect on his boxing, and his family. Boxing wise, if he had a good day with max, and he met his requirements that were expected, than Karl’s emotions would be outgoing, and excited to be alive, but his family would reflect on his boxing. Most of the time Karl’s family would bring down his emotions in a depression state. These two things would reflect if Karl was simply happy or sad. One of my most favorite quotes is “the weakest punches Are thrown with the tongue” this quote basically resembles the whole book, because Karl’s a Jew, and the only people in the book that make fun of him is the Wolf Pack AKA the Nazis. This quote was told by Max, Karl’s personal trainer. I believe he said this, because he was trying to show that the only reason these kids are making fun of you in the ring is because they are frightened by your body, and what the outcome is when you connect your rock hard fist with your opponents face. Truth be told threats in the ring are only told by cowards that are afraid, and have no were to hide. The other famous quote is “ the Nazis have broken are windows, and torn apart of furniture, but they have not destroyed are selves” this quote shows that no matter what the Nazis attempt to do to get the Jews out of Germany, they can destroy their things, but don’t have enough power to bring them down as a whole. When I read into the first few pages of the book I thought to myself this is going to be along month of reading, but as I journeyed further into the book I would get so caught up in the action, I wouldn’t want to stop. This was such a remarkable book, because it was packed with all sorts of action between Karl trying to keep away from the Nazis as much as possible so he could peruse his boxing carrier, but when the word gets out it becomes chaos. Also his family is just another obstacle is his carrier, from moving from house to a painting gallery. I love how this book keeps getting worse and worse for the main character Karl, but the author does an outstanding job, and getting him out of the situations, I recommend this book greatly. I disgusted only so much to try and intrigue my audience to read this book without giving away any extreme details on how the book will end. Karl the main character and the quotes were my most favorite of the book. I hope my own opinion will have persuaded you to read this book, you won’t regret any of your time loss. Work cited Quotes "The Berlin Boxing Club Quotes." By Robert Sharenow. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2015.

Robert Sharenow does it again with his historical fiction, The Berlin Boxing Club. As a fan of his outstanding debut book, My Mother The Cheerleader, I was anxious to read his newest work. Sharenow takes a slice of American history and creates a window into the world of Nazi Germany through the eyes of a young man named Karl Stern. Karl's father is an art dealer, his mother is a manic-depressive, his sister is a young Jewish girl with all of the physical characteristics that the Aryan nation abhored. Karl is a young man without feeling about religion even though he is a Jew. He escapes the world crumbling around him through a barter arrangement his father made with a prized boxer, Max Schmeling. What unravels is a heartfelt tale of a young man coming of age in a tumultuous world who escapes the oppression around him through finding his true passion, boxing. It is a great read for people of all ages and especially insightful for young readers to understand the horrors of Nazi Germany at the beginning of the Holocaust.

Bravo! I loved it. It really showed another perspective of Nazi occupied Germany prior to the second world War and was super exciting! I know it's just a fictional story but I wonder if Karl kept up with boxing?

Full disclosure, Rob is a client and friend. Having said that, GREAT book! I didn't even know it was for teens until I was half-way through. I'm no literary critic, but I found the book tight, fast moving; the characters, vivid; the story, personal, moving and unpredictable. His first, MY MOM THE CHEERLEADER, was a good warmup. Rob rocks on this one.

This book is truly amazing. The main character Karl Stern transitions to a small scrowny boy to a " macho man " i guess. But to be more realistic he grew a lot and is very strong and very successful in his boxing matches. Although I'm a girl, this book is very inspiring especially for boys. In this book you will see Karl go through hard times as life as a Jew in Germany and also his romance with his long time crush Greta.

This was a very good book. It had a good plot and was well paced. It had some funny parts as well as serious parts. I also enjoyed it because it showed how the life of a teenage boy during the reign of the Nazis could have been like. Although l wouldn't recommend this book for younger kids, it is a great book for kids eleven and up. Great book!

One of the *14* year old's goals in this book is "getting inside Greta Hauser's pants and having her find her way into mine." This is COMMON CORE required reading for an 11 year old and now I have to explain what this is???? To an eleven year old? Really????

This is a young adult book. I am not a young adult but I admit this book was very good and kept me reading until the end. This is great for young adults and older adults for sure. I highly recommend this to anyone 13 and up.

seirously, if you have time to read this, buy the book. no words are necessary. just read it. amazing doesn't even fall in this category.

My husband and I both enjoyed this book. I thought it was a well written quick easy read and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to lose them self in a great book.

Excellent read!

Book is ok. The plots is alright.