LitPick Review
Sophie lives with her father and stepfamily in Germany. She is thrilled to be chosen as her village's photographer for the Hitler Youth, the Nazi Party's youth organization, but her plans quickly fall apart. Before her father leaves to take photographs of the war, he instructs her to photograph the whole truth, no matter how harsh. That will take tremendous amounts of courage, forcing Sophie to see things she’d rather block out.
Soon after her father’s departure, Sophie contracts polio. She has always been told that those with disabilities are a drain on Germany. Now, suddenly, she feels she has become a useless weakling. Photography might just be her salvation. Even if she cannot walk, she can take photos, right? But what about her promise to her father? Does Sophie find the courage to go against her country and show the world the truth?
Opinion:
Risking Exposure is a story of hope and courage in the face of danger. The book shows the inner stamina needed to go against the flow and think for oneself in a society where citizens are told how to think. Realistic dialogue between characters makes it easy to sympathize with Sophie and understand some of what she is going through.
The author infuses incredibly vivid imagery, which I enjoy: “The eighteen or twenty beds on the ward looked just like the ones in the hospital, the white metal frames, crisp sheets, and gray wool blankets. But here, a few beds were spread with multicolored knit afghans or puffy quilts, personal touches, which made me smile.” Readers who like to visualize while reading will enjoy Risking Exposure. The book is great for readers ages 10 through 16, and its wide vocabulary and historical accuracy make it a good choice for classroom study. I guarantee Risking Exposure will get students thinking about life as a kid during World War II.
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