Captive

Captive is about a boy named John who goes to work on a farm during WWII. Although he is only a thirteen-year-old boy, he has to go work on the farm because all the men have gone to war. While he is there, German POWs (prisoners of war) come to work at the farm as well. Because America was at war with Germany, there was a lot of fear and distrust of the Germans.

When one of the POWs named Klein escapes, John shows a picture he has drawn of Klein to the sheriff. This helps the sheriff identify and recapture Klein. Another POW, named Hans, notices John’s talent for art. However, John’s dad is not particularly supportive of his art because John has been drawing POWs. Because of his injury during the war, John’s dad does not feel warmly toward the Germans at all. When John hears about a local art contest, he is excited to enter because the prizes are free art supplies and lessons with a famous artist. John enters the contest even though his dad does not support him. But, he does get support from an unlikely ally.

Throughout the novel, John learns acceptance, tolerance, and kindness toward his fellow humans. I liked this book because it is a unique and imaginative way to leave black-and-white thinking behind. Also, the author captures the emotions of the time well within the characters.