Graffiti Knight cover

By Karen Bass

Graffiti Knight

After a childhood cut short by war and the harsh strictures of Nazi Germany, sixteen-year-old Wilm is finally tasting freedom. In spite of the scars World War II has left on his hometown, Leipzig, and in spite of the oppressive new Soviet regime, Wilm is finding his own voice. It’s dangerous, of course, to be sneaking out at night to leave messages on police buildings. But it’s exciting, too, and Wilm feels justified, considering his family’s suffering. Until one mission goes too far, and Wilm finds he’s endangered the very people he most wants to protect.

Award-winning author Karen Bass brings readers a fast-paced story about a boy fighting for self-expression in an era of censorship and struggle.

Available In

Paperback / softback

Ages 12-15
ISBN: 978-1-927485-53-8
List Price: $14.95 CAD / $11.95 USD
Paperback / softback
Trim Size: 5.50 x 8.00 inches / 13.97 x 20.32cm
Pages: 288

Distributed in Canada by University of Toronto Press

Distributed in the U.S. by Orca Book Publishers

Carton Quantity: 48

Not yet available

About this book

Awards and Honours

  • 2015 USBBY Outstanding International Books selection (Winner) (United States)
  • 2014 Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award (Winner) (Canada)
  • 2014 Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People (Winner) (Canada)
  • 2016 Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Short-listed) (United States)
  • 2014 R. Ross Annett Literary Award (Winner) (Canada)
  • 2014 CAA Exporting Alberta Award (Winner) (Canada)
  • 2015 B.C. Teen Readers' Choice Stellar Awards (Short-listed) (Canada)
  • 2014 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens starred selection (Winner) (Canada)
  • 2014 Ontario Library Association Best Bets Selection (Winner) (Canada)
  • 2013 Resource Links The Year's Best Selection (Winner) (Canada)
  • 2015 Bank Street Best Book (Commended) (United States)

Reviews

 

About Graffiti Knight

2014 Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People Winner

2014 Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award Winner

2015 USBBY Outstanding International Books List: Grades 6–8 selection

2014 R. Ross Annett Literary Award Winner

2014 CAA Exporting Alberta Award Winner

2016 Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader’s Choice Award shortlist

2015 B.C. Teen Readers’ Choice Stellar Awards shortlist

2015 Bank Street Best Book selection

2014 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection

2014 Ontario Library Association Best Bets selection

2013 Resource Links “The Year’s Best” selection

“[A] gripping page-turner…The authentic setting, compelling characters and taut, suspenseful plot claim attention throughout. Bass refuses to oversimplify human beings…A different kind of war story, highly recommended.”—Kirkus Reviews

“The last quarter of the book is nonstop action…Wilm is a flawed but engaging protagonist, prone to headstrong actions, and he matures believably over the course of the story.”—School Library Journal

Graffiti Knight shines a light on an experience about which there is little information….a good addition to any library.”—VOYA

“[I]t has more drama than The Hunger Games.”—Resource Links

“Bass has artfully recreated an historical time and place peopled by realistic, three-dimensional characters grappling with their own emotions and global forces they can only barely understand.”—Quill & Quire

“[I]ncredibly gripping and informative. As young adult war-related historical fiction goes, this book is second to none…Highly Recommended.”—CM Magazine

“An action-packed emotional story filled with foolishness, friendship and courage.”—Calgary Herald

“[A] riveting page-turner that readers will find impossible to put down.”—Canadian Children’s Book News

“Award-winning author Karen Bass brings readers a fast-paced story about a boy fighting for self-expression in an era of censorship and struggle.”—Oak Bay News

 

Additional Resources

Teaching Guide

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