Bluebird

by Sharon Cameron

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Equal parts enthralling and frightening, Bluebird is a fictionalized story based on true events following World War II. German teenager Eva Gerst arrives in New York City in 1946 under the pretense that she is there to start a new life. However, she holds the key to a deadly secret and will stop at nothing to exact revenge against a Nazi in hiding. This sweeping tale is perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys.

Author of Reese's Book Club YA Pick The Light in Hidden Places, Sharon Cameron, delivers an emotionally gripping and utterly immersive thriller, perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys's Salt to the Sea.

In 1946, Eva leaves behind the rubble of Berlin for the streets of New York City, stepping from the fiery aftermath of one war into another, far colder one, where power is more important than principles, and lies are more plentiful than the truth. Eva holds the key to a deadly secret: Project Bluebird — a horrific experiment of the concentration camps, capable of tipping the balance of world power. Both the Americans and the Soviets want Bluebird, and it is something that neither should ever be allowed to possess.

But Eva hasn't come to America for secrets or power. She hasn't even come for a new life. She has come to America for one thing: justice. And the Nazi that has escaped its net.

Critically acclaimed author of The Light in Hidden Places Sharon Cameron weaves a taut and affecting thriller ripe with intrigue and romance in this alternately chilling and poignant portrait of the personal betrayals, terrifying injustices, and deadly secrets that seethe beneath the surface in the aftermath of World War II.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338355963
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	10/05/2021
Pages:	464
Sales rank:	42,505
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 5.80(h) x 1.40(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Sharon Cameron's debut novel The Dark Unwinding was awarded the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Sue Alexander Award for Most Promising New Work and the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, and was named a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection. Sharon is also the author of its sequel, A Spark Unseen; Rook, which was selected as an Indiebound Indie Next List Top Ten selection, a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection, and a Parents' Choice gold medalist; and The Forgetting, a #1 New York Times bestseller and an Indie Next Pick of the List selection, and its companion novel, The Knowing. She lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee, and you can visit her online at sharoncameronbooks.com.

Editorial Reviews

08/30/2021

This complex, intrigue-filled novel follows Eva Gerst, a teenage German refugee during the final months of WWII. When they arrive in New York City in August 1946, Eva and her largely nonverbal friend, Brigit, are welcomed, housed, and fed by the American Friends Service Committee. Eva, though, is burdened by a guilty secret: she is the daughter of a celebrated Nazi doctor who led medical experiments on prisoners at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp before purportedly escaping to America. Eva has made a deal to find and surrender her father to the American government, but her personal quest is to kill him. Initially alternating between Eva’s point of view and that of another German girl, Inge von Emmerich, in wartime Germany, the narrative builds into a suspenseful thriller with many twists—some surprising, some predictable—and a blossoming romance between Eva and a young Jewish man assigned to help her adjust to life in America and who becomes enmeshed in her mission. Cameron melds historical events into the generally credible personal journey of a young woman confronting the truth of her past. An author’s note details the numerous little-known wartime and post-war programs that so firmly ground the story. Main characters are presumed white. Ages 12–up. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

★ 08/01/2021

Gr 9 Up—In 1946, Eva and her traumatized sister Brigit arrive in New York City, having left the rubble of Berlin and postwar Europe behind them. However, there is no peace for Eva. Their arrival to America was the result of a rotten deal Eva made, one involving American and Soviet spies and Nazi doctors. Eva knows about Project Bluebird—an experiment run by the Nazis in concentration camps where innocent victims were tortured for the purpose of mind control. Eva knows about this because her father was the one who designed the experiment. Having broken free from Nazi teachings, Eva just wants justice for the victims and vengeance for herself. Cameron delivers another outstanding historical novel. Clearly meticulously researched but deeply engaging and immersive, the narrative seamlessly blends fictional characters and events with real people and places. The plot unfolds through two time lines in alternating chapters, building suspense as readers are driven to discover the true horror of Project Bluebird and Eva's search for justice. Trigger warnings may be required when recommending this as there is implied sexual assault, graphic depictions of concentration camps, and some violence. Readers already experienced with World War II and postwar historical fiction will already be aware of the realistic content found in the genre. VERDICT An excellent follow-up to Cameron's The Light in Hidden Places, great for the author's fans and those who enjoy Cameron's works and books by Monica Hesse, Michelle Barker, and Markus Zusak.—Kaetlyn Phillips, Yorkton, Sask.

School Library Journal

2021-08-16
The story of two teenagers at the end of World War II: one raised by Nazis, the other a German immigrant new to the United States.

It’s 1946, and Eva is arriving in America, a refugee from Germany. The narrative then flips to 1945. Sixteen-year-old Inge has been raised a Nazi, her doctor father a prominent figure and integral part of the concentration camps. In the aftermath of the war, Inge realizes the atrocities her father and her people were responsible for and vows to atone for the murdered innocents. These are postwar young women hoping to do right by their complicated pasts, the story alternating between their points of view. While the horrors of the Holocaust are certainly discussed, the brutal realities of postwar Germany and the gray areas between good and evil offer a lesser-seen view of World War II. Cameron slowly, delicately weaves these seemingly disparate stories into one seamless storyline. As the two merge into one, there are twists and turns and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, even if the pace is a little inconsistent. The grim realities will stay with readers long beyond the book; the truths shared are honest but not gratuitous. All of the main characters are White, though African American artist Augusta Savage plays a minor role, and some background characters are people of color.

An important, well-executed work of historical fiction. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Light in Hidden Places:

"Beautifully written and meticulously researched. Sharon Cameron captures the extraordinary story of one of history's hidden heroes. Every devastating moment is both gripping and powerful." — Ruta Sepetys, New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea

"Harrowing, heartbreaking, and yet so full of hope." — Jennifer Donnelly, New York Times bestselling author of Stepsister

"Haunting and lyrical. An incredible true story of bravery, survival, and defiance." — Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

"Sharon Cameron's exciting novel weaves together the lightheartedness, sheer terror, and incredible inner strength of this young woman, my mom. This book exceeds all my expectations." — Ed Burzminski, son of Stefania Podgórska

* "Authentic writing and well-researched history combined with the gripping and terrifying subject matter make this a must-read for historical fiction fans. Cameron's remarkable, heartbreaking true story of one woman's bravery and selflessness in World War II Poland will intrigue both teens and adult readers." — School Library Journal, starred review

* "Cameron's wide-ranging research and deft storytelling abilities combine to create an astoundingly authentic first-person narration. Her exquisite prose conveys in riveting detail exactly what it was like for Stefania to live through the horrors she witnessed." — BookPage, starred review

"A true story of faith, love, and heroism. [Cameron] deftly details Stefania's brave actions and includes moving family photographs in the author's note... Readers will be pulled in by the compelling opening and stay for the emotional journey. An inspirational read." — Kirkus Reviews

"Empowered by thorough research — an author's note details events after the war — Cameron successfully conveys horror and bravery in this powerful and captivating novel. A memorable read." — Booklist

"Cameron's novel is heartbreakingly real in its attention to detail and its ability to pack emotional punches." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This story of extraordinary survival is bolstered by an author's note, accompanied by photos." — Publishers Weekly

Praise for The Knowing:

* "Both a politically charged adventure and culture study, this thought-provoking dystopia stands firmly on its own." — Booklist, starred review

"Diverse, well-drawn characters abound, but in the riveting power struggles that ensue, women are dominant players, ruthless ideologues willing to sacrifice all that interferes with the goal. The intricately woven narrative threads come together in a suspenseful denouement sure to leave readers hoping for another installment." — Kirkus Reviews

"Wildly inventive yet somehow believable. . . For all of its fantastical elements . . . this companion novel is ultimately a story about two teenagers, Samara and Beckett, finding their places in the world, managing familial and societal expectations, and falling in love. Cameron is a writer of prime caliber." — School Library Journal

Praise for The Forgetting:

A #1 New York Times bestseller

An Autumn 2016 Kids' Indie Next List selection

* "Effective worldbuilding and strong characterization . . . A well-crafted fable for our time." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "This fantasy is a marvelous achievement." — School Library Journal, starred review

"[An] absorbing adventure." — Publishers Weekly

"The Forgetting is Sharon Cameron's fourth young adult novel, and she's grown adept at blurring the lines between fantasy, dystopian and science-fiction genres. Cameron reminds us, through Nadia's documented memories, that we must learn to appreciate the truth as much as question it, exploring the morality tucked within the fallacy of memory." — Bookpage, Top Pick

Praise for Rook:

A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection

An Indiebound Indie Next Top Ten selection

Winner of the Parents' Choice Gold Award

"The suspense kicks right off in this action-packed tale, quickly wrapping readers up in the drama." — Romantic Times

"Full of derring-do and double crosses, this romantic adventure is thoroughly engrossing." — Kirkus Reviews

"Cameron crafts a brilliant homage to The Scarlet Pimpernel yet also manages to make her telling unique, particularly in... the many twists, turns, betrayals, and lucky breaks [that] will keep readers breathless until the very end." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Rook is sure to be a read all readers will remember." — Portland Book Review

Praise for The Dark Unwinding:

A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection

Winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award

"Utterly original, romantic, and spellbindingly imaginative." — USA Today

"Haunting thrills unfurl." — Entertainment Weekly

"Gripping twists, rich language, and an evocative landscape." — Publishers Weekly

"[A] singularly polished piece." — The Horn Book

"A strikingly original, twisty gothic tale that holds surprises around every dark corner." — Judy Blundell, author of What I Saw and How I Lied

Praise for A Spark Unseen:

"Gripping... [an] absorbing, intelligent adventure." — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher