By Ann Brashares and Ben Brashares
What if the world you knew was built on the wrong side winning the war?
Ann and Ben Brashares continue their gripping Westfallen trilogy with Into the Fire, a middle-grade adventure that explores a dark, alternate reality. In this version of modern America, the Axis powers won World War II, and Nazi ideology has become the status quo. The story follows three estranged friends—Henry, Frances, and Lukas—as they struggle to survive under a regime that rewards compliance and punishes identity. Lukas faces the immediate threat of a labor camp, while Henry witnesses the cruelty of the “Home for Incurables.” Meanwhile, Frances maneuvers through high-society Nazi circles to gather information. Their only hope of fixing the broken timeline lies with a time-bending radio and their counterparts in 1944. This second book has already earned positive marks from Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal for its high-stakes pacing and the way it handles complex ethical dilemmas for a younger audience.
This novel is a standout choice for a Changemaker collection because it aligns so clearly with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. It not only describes an unfair world; it shows how the characters find the resolve to resist it. Educators can use the trio’s survival strategies to facilitate a deep dive into the “principled” trait within the IB Learner Profile. For instance, a social studies teacher might lead a session where students compare the propaganda used in the book’s fictional America to historical examples from World War II. This creates a concrete entry point for discussing why transparency and human rights are the foundations of a healthy society. By watching Frances and Henry make difficult, risky choices to protect Lukas and restore the truth, students are prompted to reflect on their own moral compass. The narrative demonstrates that taking a stand is rarely easy, but it is necessary for anyone committed to the common good. It shifts the focus from passive reading to active reflection on how one person’s choices can influence the course of history.
