The Button War

The Button War by Avi, 229 pages

“Patryk and Jurek are as much friends as rivals in the small Russian-occupied Polish village where they live. When, in August 1914, Patryk finds an old button on the forest floor, Jurek becomes wildly jealous. World War I comes to Poland, bringing one invading army after another to the village. Jurek devises an exciting dare among the boys: whoever steals the best military button will be Button King. The contest is on. It's only Patryk who tries to stop Jurek's increasingly dangerous game before it leads to deadly consequences.” This is one of Avi’s most disturbing books.  It’s a good story, well crafted, and interesting characters.  It’s a fast read as well, but the subject  matter is really difficult and not all of the characters are very likeable.  I would recommend it to kids who like historical fiction and aren’t bothered to be reading about death.  Very sensitive children might have trouble with this book.