The Berlin Boxing Club
Sydney Taylor Award-winning novel Berlin Boxing Club is loosely inspired by the true story of boxer Max Schmeling's experiences following Kristallnacht. Publishers Weekly called it "a masterful historical novel" in a starred review.
Karl Stern has never thought of himself as a Jew; after all, he's never even been in a synagogue. But the bullies at his school in Nazi-era Berlin don't care that Karl's family doesn't practice religion. Demoralized by their attacks against a heritage he doesn't accept as his own, Karl longs to prove his worth.
Then Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German hero, makes a deal with Karl's father to give Karl boxing lessons. A skilled cartoonist, Karl has never had an interest in boxing, but now it seems like the perfect chance to reinvent himself.
But when Nazi violence against Jews escalates, Karl must take on a new role: family protector. And as Max's fame forces him to associate with Nazi elites, Karl begins to wonder where his hero's sympathies truly lie. Can Karl balance his boxing dreams with his obligation to keep his family out of harm's way?
Includes an author's note and sources page detailing the factual inspirations behind the novel.
Reviews (114)
An Incredible Story, A Strong Character
This novel surprised me. I will admit that I am one of the few who did not fall in love with The Book Thief. I loved the use of Death as a narrator, but the story did not captivate me as much as I would have liked. This story did captivate me. I found myself entranced by this wolrld, living in the fear and determination. Karl was a relatable character, showing strengths and flaws. He was real. His situation with bullies is timeless. His struggle with accepting himself for who he is can be compared to many other types of situations. His desire to grow stronger, be better, and find courage makes him endearing. Though I was not a teen during WW2, I see much of myself in Karl. I recommend this highly. This novel deserves a film adaptation. It is incredible.
and answers questions like: What did it mean to be a Jew ...
A very disturbing,dark and anguishing story placed in the historical context of Nazi Germany in the thirties of the last century, the time shortly before the outbreak of war, probably the years from 1936 to 1938. It tells the story, strictly from within Germany, and answers questions like: What did it mean to be a Jew in Germany during that time, shortly before, during and after the "Kristallnacht". How did it feel to be a Jewish youngster (religious or not at all) who went to school with Nazis and not Nazis (but how to know who is and who is not ?!), and other Jews and wanted to be - as everybody - liked by his peers, who had the dream of becoming a Junior Boxing Champion, and the good luck to have the talent necessary to achieve that goal, and besides to be trained by the Heavyweight World Champion Max Schmeling, icon of German and Arian supremacy? What did it mean to be a German, not necessarily a Nazi, trying to just "muddle through" or even an anti-Nazi? How did the climate (of collective paranoia and hate) that permeated every aspect of daily life, feel on either side? Very well written, tansmits masterfully the climate one would assume reigned in those days.
Outstanding Historical Fiction for Teens And Adults
The Berlin Boxing Club will be a classic. "Not all Germans are the same. It is only politics. It will pass." Every time Karl tries to talk to an adult about what is happening in his neighborhood in Berlin in 1934 that is what they say. Even his Jewish parents. Karl decides if he can become the greatest young boxer in Germany, it will change people's impressions of Jews. Max Schmeling is a family friend, and he arranges for Karl to train at his gym. Since no one at the gym knows Karl is Jewish, he continues to compete even after Hitler enacts the Nuremberg Race Laws. As things go from difficult to desperate to dangerous, many Jews, including Karl's parents, still say, "It will pass." By the time of Kristallnacht in 1938, Karl's father has lost his art gallery, the family has been forced to sell off all of their possessions so there is no money to escape, and most of their friends have already emigrated or been arrested. Teens will be engaged by Karl's determination and harrowing experiences. Some will be enthralled by the detailed descriptions of boxing training and fights. Adults will be dismayed at how naive Karl's parents are even as their family and friends are being arrested. The Berlin Boxing Club takes the reader to heart of Berlin in the 30's and into the lives of Karl, his family and his family's friends.
The Berlin Boxing Club: Purchased at Amazon.com
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have read a book about boxing. I did, however, and I loved it. Since it looked like a children's book, I read some of the reviews before I bought it. Basically, it is for young adults, but it can also appeal to adults. This is the story of a 14 year old Jewish boy named Karl Stern in the 1930's. At that time the persecution of the Jews in Germany was getting worse, with Karl being beaten up by his classmates and/or the Hitler Youth. Karl's father happened to be friends with Max Schmeling, the champion boxer of Germany. Due to an agreement between Max and Karl's father, Max agreed to take Karl on as a student boxer. Karl worked out on his own, and also at the Berlin Boxing Club. This book is historical fiction which I love especially when it is well written. I highly recommend The Berlin Boxing Club for both children and adults. If a book about boxing can interest me (since I have very little interest in the sport) then, it is a good book.
Great book no problems with order.
Originally my brother gave me his old book of this which was agreat read and I am not so much of a reading person but after completing the book it was ruined so I ordered him a new one and I have 0 complaints
Love it!
I love Holocaust books, but this one takes place in the 30's prior to WWII. It's a great way to see what was taking place prior to the Holocaust and how things led up to the Holocaust
A work of Historical fiction that makes the past come alive
I enjoyed this book as it told the horrors of what happened to the Jews, my family, leading up to WW II. My father was a jewish boxer, and that's how he defected out of communist Russia after the war.
Better than I thought
This book captures a period in history that led up to WWII. The hero of the book, a young boy, befriends Max Schmeling the great German boxer who split two bouts with Joe Louis. The story describes the disenfranchisement of a Jewish family during the 1930's. It's painful to read but is told in a straightforward and honest manner.
Teen page turner
13 year old son ordered for his classroom AR points. Reluctant reader but he loved this book
I hate books but this one? Its decent
I normally hate to read books and in class assignments drive me nuts. Our teacher was very entertaining and she told us each which book she recommends of the 5. I was recommended this one and the first itme in 10 years I actually finished a book without having to use sparknotes. I don't want to spoil the story so I rather keep my mouth shut on whats going to happen You can read the back cover intro and see if you like it but I suggest it
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