Running with Ivan by Suzanne Leal

It's 2002 and Leo is 13. His mother has died, and his father has remarried, so Leo is not only dealing with grief but also with a new stepfamily, new home, new friends and new school. Life seems unfair and tough, and he wishes everything could go back to the way it was when his mum was still alive. 

It's 1933 and Ivan is 7. He lives in Prague with his parents and life is good. He has a big house with servants and lovely clothes and toys. But, as a Jewish family back then, it's only a matter of time before everything changes forever.

While trying to carve out some quiet space for himself, Leo finds a way to step between his own time and Ivan's. These 'visits' open his eyes to the reality of life during the leadup and outbreak of World War II, while putting his own troubles into perspective. 

Leo and Ivan form a firm friendship, each learning from and helping the other. They both love to run and running becomes not just a physical challenge and bonding experience for them, but also a way to quiet their thoughts and temporarily escape their problems. 

This is historical fiction at its very best. The timeslip formula works so well, with the storyline progressing rapidly in each timeline and keeping the reader interested and invested in the lives of both boys. The inclusion of a wise mentor in Leo's time, and a love interest in Ivan's time, are both handled with gentleness and honesty. The historical accuracy provides a real sense of dread and urgency in Ivan's timeline, while the varied relationships explored in Leo's timeline add a layer of complexity which ensure he is always seen as an equal protagonist rather than a supporting character. 

This would be an excellent choice for a class novel or book club with its many rich themes to explore.

Themes: Friendship, Bereavement, Bravery, Resilience, Blended families, Holocaust, European history, World War II.

Kylie Grant