Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch is a compelling historical novel praised for its emotional depth and engaging narrative. Reviewers appreciate its poignant portrayal of a young girl's resilience in a dire situation. However, some critics mention that the intense subject matter might be too distressing for younger readers. Overall, it's a powerful, thought-provoking story.

Readers who relish poignant, historically grounded stories of youth wartime experiences, similar to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and Number the Stars, would appreciate Making Bombs for Hitler. Ideal for middle-grade to young adult readers, it blends gripping narrative with the resilience and courage of a young girl under Nazi occupation.

In Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, eight-year-old Lida is forcibly separated from her sister Larissa and taken to a Nazi work camp during World War II. To survive and reunite with Larissa, Lida must prove her usefulness by working under appalling conditions, forging friendships, and secretly sabotaging bombs she is forced to assemble. The novel includes descriptions of war, violence, and killings that might disturb sensitive readers.

Dark / Challenging / Emotional / Suspenseful / Hopeful

- Making Bombs for Hitler was inspired by real-life stories of displaced children during World War II, as shared with the author by survivors.
- The novel is part of a thematic series by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, who is known for her historical fiction bringing lesser-known aspects of history to young readers.
- The book won the 2013 Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award for its compelling storytelling and historical depth.

**Lida Ferezuk**  
An eight-year-old Ukrainian girl separated from her younger sister during World War II, who endures incredible hardships in captivity while striving to survive and reunite with her sister.

**Larissa Ferezuk**  
Lida’s younger sister, whose separation from Lida in the war propels Lida’s determination to survive and maintain hope for a reunion.

**Luka Barukovich**  
A boy from Kyiv with whom Lida shares a sibling-like bond, characterized by mutual support and shared experiences of loss under the Nazis and Soviets.

**Zenia Chornij**  
A Jewish girl who befriends Lida in a train car; Zenia is kind and helps cultivate a sense of camaraderie and resilience among fellow prisoners.

**Juli**  
A Hungarian political prisoner who initially dismisses Lida but eventually becomes a close friend and source of support inside the camp.

**Natalia**  
A Polish prisoner and friend of Lida’s who works alongside her in the bomb-making factory and shares her experiences of war and displacement.

**Inge**  
A German civilian who runs the camp's laundry and recognizes Lida’s sewing talent but remains complicit with the camp's discriminatory practices.

**Officer Schmidt**  
A Nazi officer who embodies cruelty and prejudice, enforcing harsh conditions and punishments on Lida and other camp workers.

**Nurse Astrid**  
A compassionate force at an American Army hospital who provides care and support for Lida, aiding in her physical and emotional recovery.

**Pani Zemluk**  
A teacher and confidant at the refugee camp who advises Lida about the harsh realities of returning home and the importance of self-preservation.

Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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Making Bombs for Hitler Summary and Study Guide

Background

Making Bombs for Hitler Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Making Bombs for Hitler Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Making Bombs for Hitler Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Making Bombs for Hitler Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Making Bombs for Hitler Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 21-Epilogue

Making Bombs for Hitler Chapter 21-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Making Bombs for Hitler Character Analysis

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Themes

Making Bombs for Hitler Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Making Bombs for Hitler Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Skrypuch Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Making Bombs for Hitler Essay Topics

Making Bombs for Hitler Further Reading & Resources

Making Bombs for Hitler

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Making Bombs for Hitler?

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