Its books like this that are the reason that I continue to always return to middle grade, even as a 31 year old.

I think a lot of people still see middle grade as children's books that can't approach serious topics. But thats just not true. Max in the House of Spies tackles topics like politics, trauma, racism, and more just head on. The first half of the book is just the reader having to experience Antisemitic racism/bullying along side Max. Max describes Kristallnacht in such horrifying and cruel detail. A dude dies at the end of the book. The book doesn't pull any punches and asks the reader to ask tough questions. 

Lots of adults will be asking themselves if these topics and themes are "age-appropriate." Books like it have been book banned before all with the same cry of not being age-appropriate: Night, The Diary of a Young Girl, Number the Stars, and Maus all come to mind (3 of those books I did have to read for school). But these books aren't just age-appropriate, they hold subjects and themes that are paramount for young readers to explore. Readers are asked questions about Max's feelings, his morals, his ideas about the world, what is good and evil, can we trust our own bias, can we trust everyone, when is it okay to stand up to bullies and why,  if he questions the world around him, faith, family, death, and a ton of other things.  And in turn asks the reader those same things.

These themes and questions are not only enjoyable for younger reads to explore, but adults as well. And along the way, we get to meet incredible characters and experience fun scenes.

Middle grade can truly be enjoyed by everyone. And if you don't believe me, pick up Max in the House of Spies today.

Very excited for the second book!