War Games (Junior Library Guild Selection (Random House))

Based on a true story of World War II.

For 12-year-old Petros, World War II feels unreal and far away. What’s real is working in his papa’s garden. Playing marbles with his friends. Fighting with his older brother, Zola. Zola, who must always be first. Who must always be best. But when the Germans invade Greece, the war suddenly comes impossibly close. Overnight, neighbors become enemies. People begin to keep secrets (Petros’s family most of all). And for the first time, Petros has the chance to show Zola that he’s not just a little brother but that he can truly be counted on. Soon what were once just boys’ games become matters of life and death as Petros and Zola each wonder if, like their resistance fighter cousin, they too can make a difference.

Audrey Couloumbis is the author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor winner, Getting Near to Baby. She is married to Akila Couloumbis.

Akila Couloumbis was born in New York. His family returned to Greece when he was six months old. This book is based on his boyhood wartime experiences there. He and Audrey live in upstate New York and Florida.