4 New Novels Set during World War II

Even more than 70 years after V-J Day, there seems to be no end to the stories told about World War II. Books about the war range from the examination of military tactics to true-life tales of heroism and terror. September brings four historical novels set during the war years, one takes place in Poland and is geared to middle grade readers, and the other three involve immigrants fleeing to safety.

The Dollmaker of Krakow by R. M. Romero (Delacorte Press for Young Readers, Sept. 12): Set in Poland during the German occupation, this novel is based on the familiar folk tale motif of a toymaker whose toys come to life. The story of the reclusive Dollmaker and Karolina, the talking doll who brings him out of his shell, gives middle grade readers a look at the horrors of the war while also helping them learn that even one person can make a difference in the world by being brave enough to protect his friends. (First line: "There once was a little doll named Karolina, who lived in a country far from the human world.")

The Way to London by Alix Rickloff (William Morrow, Sept. 19): Sent from Singapore to live with an aunt in England, Lucy escapes one war to live a country battered by another. Always reckless, Lucy agrees to help a young man travel to London to find his mother. When the two cross paths with a soldier Lucy knew in Singapore, she begins to worry that her well-guarded secrets may be exposed. (First line: "Troop movements. Battles. Sinkings. Bombings. Russia resisting. England persevering. Japan rattle sabers. America dithering.")

We Were Strangers Once by Betsy Carter (Grand Central Publishing, Sept 12): In the 1930s, Manhattan was the destination of many Jews fleeing Europe ahead of trouble. This novel explores the story of how such immigrants fared in a city where they may been safe from concentration camps but were in constant danger of destitution, loneliness, and deportation. (First line: " 'Remember, he's a busy man. No idle talk. And don't forget to wear your gloves.' "

When It's Over by Barbara Ridley (She Writes Press, Sept. 26): Lena is one of the lucky ones, escaping Prague to settle in England, away from Nazi rule. London, however, is hardly a haven, and as she hopes for news of the family she left behind, Lena focuses her energy on forging a better future for her adoptive country while making sure she survives the Blitz. (First line: "Lena Kulkova stood at her tiny fifth-floor window, surveying the rooftops of the foreign city that she had come to love but was being urged to leave.")