About the book
“Captures the ways that war can forever alter a child’s sense of order, morality, and security in the world. Strongly visual scenes . . . will long resonate in readers’ minds.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Twelve-year-old Patryk knows little of the world beyond his tiny Polish village; the Russians have occupied the land for as long as anyone can remember, but otherwise life is unremarkable. Patryk and his friends entertain themselves by coming up with dares — some more harmful than others — until the Germans drop a bomb on the schoolhouse and the Great War comes crashing in. As control of the village falls from one nation to another, Jurek, the ringleader of these friends, devises the best dare yet: whichever boy steals the finest military button will be king. But as sneaking buttons from uniforms hanging to dry progresses to looting the bodies of dead soldiers — and as Jurek’s obsession with being king escalates — Patryk begins to wonder whether their “button war” is still just a game. When devastation reaches their doorstep, the lines between the button war and the real war blur, especially for the increasingly callous Jurek. Renowned master of historical fiction, and award-winning author Avi delivers a stark, fierce account of the boys of one war-torn village who are determined to prove themselves with a simple dare that spins disastrously out of control — now out in paperback with a newly imagined cover.
Editions of The Button War
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780763690533
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781536204896
Read an Excerpt
“Captures the ways that war can forever alter a child’s sense of order, morality, and security in the world. Strongly visual scenes . . . will long resonate in readers’ minds.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Twelve-year-old Patryk knows little of the world beyond his tiny Polish village; the Russians have occupied the land for as long as anyone can remember, but otherwise life is unremarkable. Patryk and his friends entertain themselves by coming up with dares — some more harmful than others — until the Germans drop a bomb on the schoolhouse and the Great War comes crashing in. As control of the village falls from one nation to another, Jurek, the ringleader of these friends, devises the best dare yet: whichever boy steals the finest military button will be king. But as sneaking buttons from uniforms hanging to dry progresses to looting the bodies of dead soldiers — and as Jurek’s obsession with being king escalates — Patryk begins to wonder whether their “button war” is still just a game. When devastation reaches their doorstep, the lines between the button war and the real war blur, especially for the increasingly callous Jurek. Renowned master of historical fiction, and award-winning author Avi delivers a stark, fierce account of the boys of one war-torn village who are determined to prove themselves with a simple dare that spins disastrously out of control — now out in paperback with a newly imagined cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Button War about?
“Captures the ways that war can forever alter a child’s sense of order, morality, and security in the world. Strongly visual scenes . . . will long resonate in readers’ minds.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Twelve-year-old Patryk knows little of the world beyond his tiny Polish village; the Russians have occupied the land for as long as anyone can remember, but otherwise life is unremarkable. Patryk and his friends entertain themselves by coming up with dares — some more harmful than others — until the Germans drop a bomb on the schoolhouse and the Great War comes crashing in. As control of the village falls from one nation to another, Jurek, the ringleader of these friends, devises the best dare yet: whichever boy steals the finest military button will be king. But as sneaking buttons from uniforms hanging to dry progresses to looting the bodies of dead soldiers — and as Jurek’s obsession with being king escalates — Patryk begins to wonder whether their “button war” is still just a game. When devastation reaches their doorstep, the lines between the button war and the real war blur, especially for the increasingly callous Jurek. Renowned master of historical fiction, and award-winning author Avi delivers a stark, fierce account of the boys of one war-torn village who are determined to prove themselves with a simple dare that spins disastrously out of control — now out in paperback with a newly imagined cover.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Button War?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of The Button War?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780763690533
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Button War?
Avi
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Button War is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780763690533) and paperback(ISBN 9781536204896)
Where can I buy The Button War online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Button War from below
Where can I buy The Button War?