War Games by Alan Gratz (Author)

An instant #1 New York Times bestseller!

A USA Today bestseller

A Publishers Weekly bestseller

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Heroes comes this heart-pounding, high-stakes take on the 1936 Berlin Olympics, also known as the "Nazi Olympics."

In 1936 Berlin, nothing is what it seems...

Evie Harris can't believe her luck: She's competing in the Olympics, along with fellow American athletes like Jesse Owens. True, there's something creepy about Germany's leader, Adolf Hitler, who watches over the games with his Nazi henchmen. But Evie's just here to win a gold medal in gymnastics.

Until she discovers a horrible secret.

Behind all the Olympic fanfare, the Nazis have Berlin in an iron grip of terror and violence--and war is brewing. When Evie becomes embroiled in a mysterious plot to help steal Nazi gold, she must navigate the city's darkest corners and hidden passageways, never knowing who she can trust.

With lives on the line and her family's future at stake, Evie has to choose between following her Olympic dreams and standing up to evil... before it's too late.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz is back and better than ever with this heart-racing, plot-twisting story about the roots of World War II and the sacrifices we make for what matters most.

About the Author:
Alan Gratz is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, Two Degrees, Ground Zero, Allies, Grenade, Refugee, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, Code of Honor, and Captain America: The Ghost Army, an original graphic novel. Alan lives with his family in the Pacific Northwest. Look for him online at alangratz.com.

The reviews are in!

* "[A] smartly plotted page-turner... Well-researched historical facts add tooth to this cinematic novel's shocking twists and turns... [a] riveting adventure." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "[A] gripping heist story combined with a dramatic sports story, where the prewar German backdrop adds tension. The short, easily digestible chapters coupled with the plot's high stakes enhance the book's compulsive readability. Gratz's vivid descriptions--from crowds enthusiastically cheering for Hitler to track-and-field athlete Jesse Owens's triumphant performance--effectively embed readers in the drama of the 1936 games." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"Gratz goes big on the Mission Impossible-style heist... A lengthy and detailed author's note provides valuable historical context... Fast-paced and plot-driven." -- Kirkus Reviews

ISBN: 9781338736106
ISBN-10: 1338736108
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: October 7, 2025
Pages: 368
Language: English
Format: Hardcover

Recommended Reading Level
Ages 9 to 12