Margot and Haruko have been uprooted from their lives along with their families. WWII is raging, and these families have been taken to a Family Internment Camp in Texas because their fathers have been accused of spying for the enemies.
Based on true events, this camp was the only one of its type in the country. Both Japanese and German families were sent here. The two teens’ friendship is unlikely, since the two nationalities are segregated within the camp. But Margot’s family, going against the wishes of the camp’s Nazi leadership, decide to send Margot to the Federal High School, which is accredited, rather than the German school.
So Margot and Haruko begin a secret friendship that isn’t easy. It is difficult for Margot to be honest, and Haruko tells secrets that she probably shouldn’t. But she needs someone to talk to. Life isn’t easy, and Hesse does a great job of pointing out hardships, both mental and physical, that readers might not consider. No one can be trusted, the girls must be secretive, and they both have other stresses that threated their friendship. Margot’s mother is pregnant. Haruko’s brother is serving as a soldier in the war, and they don’t know where he is.
The dual narration is expertly utilized. The girls are in an unbelievable situation. The War Outside isn’t a happy story. The last chapter found my jaw dropping open. But this is a story that hasn’t been told. This camp isn’t like the ones where Japanese who lived on the coast were sent. Yet another story of one of the atrocities of WWII that needed to be told. Anyone, teen or adult, who wants to learn more about WWII should be exposed to The War Outside.
Published by Little, Brown BFYR, September 25, 2018
ARC obtained from School Library Connection Magazine
318 pages
Rating: 5/5
