Set against the backdrop of WWII, this achingly beautiful middle grade novel in verse based on American history presents the dual perspectives of Claire, a Midwestern girl who longs to enter high school and become a nurse even as she worries for her soldier brother, and Karl, a German POW who’s processing the war as he works on Claire’s family farm. This poignant and moving story of an unlikely connection will stay with readers long after the final page. It’s October 1944, and while Claire’s older brother, Danny, is off fighting in World War II, her dad hires a group of German POWs to help with the apple harvest on their farm. Claire wants nothing to do with the enemies in the orchard, until she meets soft-spoken, hardworking Karl. Could she possibly have something in common with a German soldier? Karl, meanwhile, grapples with his role in the war as he realizes how many lies Hitler’s regime has spread—and his complacency in not standing up against them. But his encounters with Claire give him hope that he can change and become the person he wants to be. Inspired by the little-known history of POW labor camps in the United States, this lyrical verse novel is told in alternating first-person poems by two young people on opposite sides of the war. Against a vivid backdrop of home front tensions and daily life, intimate entries reveal Claire’s and Karl's hopes and struggles, and their growing friendship even as the war rages on. What are their chances of connection, of redemption, of peace? Enemies in the Orchard is: A gorgeously written novel in verse for ages 9 and up - Historical fiction based on true events during WWII - A heartfelt story that explores connection, trauma, and hope Enemies in the Orchard is a fast-paced, lyrical novel perfect for upper middle-grade readers that offers a new perspective into what it means to be an enemy and how we see and can also forgive others. -- Jenni L. Walsh, author of I Am Defiance Enemies in the Orchard is simply unputdownable. Rarely have I read a book that uses alternating points of view to such great effect. Claire and Karl are fully complex and compelling characters. The apple orchards are described in such detail, they become a character in and of themselves. As I read, I could see, smell, and taste apple butter, apple cider, apple pie. The story, based on the author's own family history, is meticulously researched, and the poetry is simply gorgeous. Full of vivid imagery, profound symbolism, and stunning metaphor, this magnificent historic novel in verse about a little-known aspect of World War II has the word 'award-winner' written all over it. It deserves as wide an audience as possible. -- Lesléa Newman, author, October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard and Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story Enemies in the Orchard is unflinching in its portrayal of loss and grief during wartime. Its narrative is surprising, its characters complex, and its focus on forgiveness and love, and the meaning of the good and full life, is honest and heady. Plan to read this in one sitting--that's how gripping this story is. -- Gary Schmidt, Newbery Honor-winning author Based on a true story, this World War II middle school novel written in free verse is narrated from the alternating perspectives of 13-year-old Claire DeBoer of Apeldoorn, Mich., and Karl Hartmann of Ulm, Germany, a boy her age. As Claire and Karl's paths cross, their initial suspicion and awkwardness around each other is replaced with the fragile, yet hopeful possibility of grace, understanding, and friendship. When tragedy strikes and all seems lost, even then Claire finds hope: 'And I have no doubt / that where I'm from, / what I've lived through, / is planted deep inside me-- / that all my life, / I'll be drawn back here, / to the trees, / to the apples. / But I am also confident / that I am finding my own place on the branch, / a space to grow / where the sun will reach me.' Though recommended for readers ages 9-12, this novel--deeply moving and filled with poignant insights into the destructive nature of war and its impact on children--is better suited to children ages 12 and older. -- The Banner Magazine A compelling and beautiful journey of history, truth, and courage, with connective and heart-stirring imagery, Enemies in the Orchard is a novel in verse that readers of all ages will hold in their hearts. -- Chris Baron, author of All of Me, The Magical Imperfect, and The Gray A stellar example of utilizing point of view to great effect and the power of listening to new perspectives. A great classroom conversation starter on discerning what is true and seeing humans in a world often full of misinformation. -- Meg Eden Kuyatt, author of Good Different Beautifully crafted verse that moves the reader swiftly through a strong story, and a topic from our history that has much to say to us today. An exciting launch of a new author. -- Marion Dane Bauer, Newbery Honor–winning author Claire, a 13-year