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The Berlin Boxing Club Paperback – October 23, 2012

by Robert Sharenow (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 454 ratings
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Sydney Taylor Award-winning novel Berlin Boxing Club is loosely inspired by the true story of boxer Max Schmeling's experiences following Kristallnacht. Publishers Weekly called it "a masterful historical novel" in a starred review.

Karl Stern has never thought of himself as a Jew; after all, he's never even been in a synagogue. But the bullies at his school in Nazi-era Berlin don't care that Karl's family doesn't practice religion. Demoralized by their attacks against a heritage he doesn't accept as his own, Karl longs to prove his worth.

Then Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German hero, makes a deal with Karl's father to give Karl boxing lessons. A skilled cartoonist, Karl has never had an interest in boxing, but now it seems like the perfect chance to reinvent himself.

But when Nazi violence against Jews escalates, Karl must take on a new role: family protector. And as Max's fame forces him to associate with Nazi elites, Karl begins to wonder where his hero's sympathies truly lie. Can Karl balance his boxing dreams with his obligation to keep his family out of harm's way?

Includes an author's note and sources page detailing the factual inspirations behind the novel.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    432 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Balzer + Bray
  4. Publication date
    October 23, 2012
  5. Grade level
    8 - 9
  6. Reading age
    13 - 17 years
  7. Dimensions
    5.31 x 0.97 x 8 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    006157970X
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0061579707
  10. Lexile measure
    880L
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

★ “Sharenow delivers a masterful historical novel.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ “A story with well-drawn, complex characters, gripping history, and intense emotion.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

★ “A fine one-two punch with the author’s previous powerful work, My Mother the Cheerleader.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Readers will be drawn [in] by the sports detail and by the close-up narrative of the daily oppression.” — ALA Booklist

“A meaty, readable account of the perils and pitfalls of daily life in Nazi Germany.” — The Horn Book

“This beautifully written coming-of-age story puts a human face on both the victims and the tormentors during the holocaust while revealing on a national level the political importance and implications of the historic match between black boxer Joe Louis and German hero Max Schmeling.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“I held my breath as Karl Stern, fierce and thoughtful, fought his way through the Nazi Wolf Pack and his own insecurities to save his family and become a boxer and an artist.” — Robert Lipsyte, author of THE CONTENDER and CENTER FIELD

“Set in Berlin just after Kristallnacht, this isn’t just a story about the terrible events in Nazi Germany, it’s also a story about identity, family, and growing up” (in the article “11 Children’s and YA Books to Help Remember the Holocaust’). — Brightly

From the Back Cover

Karl Stern has never thought of himself as a Jew; after all, he's never even been in a synagogue. But the bullies at his school in Nazi-era Berlin don't care that Karl's family doesn't practice religion. Demoralized by their attacks against a heritage he doesn't accept as his own, Karl longs to prove his worth.

Then Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German hero, makes a deal with Karl's father to give Karl boxing lessons. A skilled cartoonist, Karl never had an interest in boxing, but now it seems like the perfect chance to reinvent himself.

But when Nazi violence against Jews escalates, Karl must take on a new role: family protector. And as Max's fame forces him to associate with Nazi elites, Karl begins to wonder where his hero's sympathies truly lie. Can Karl balance his boxing dreams with his obligation to keep his family out of harm's way?

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Balzer + Bray; Reprint edition (October 23, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 006157970X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061579707
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 880L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.97 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 454 ratings

About the author

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Robert Sharenow

Robert Sharenow

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Robert Sharenow is an award-winning writer and television producer. He is the author of The Girl in the Torch, The Berlin Boxing Club, which was awarded the Sydney Taylor Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries, and received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews, and My Mother the Cheerleader. He is also an Emmy-award-winning television producer and serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Lifetime. He lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and their dog, Lucy. You can visit him online at www.robertsharenow.com.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
454 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Tami
5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging fictional account set during a dark period in history.
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book has intrigue and action cloaked in the fear and injustice of Nazi Germany. Interesting and appealing characters, both real and fictional, keep the reader rapt.
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Alexander Blaser
5.0 out of 5 stars and answers questions like: What did it mean to be a Jew ...
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
A very disturbing,dark and anguishing story placed in the historical context of Nazi Germany in the thirties of the last century, the time shortly before the outbreak of war, probably the years from 1936 to 1938. It tells the story, strictly from within Germany, and answers questions like: What did it mean to be a Jew in Germany during that time, shortly before, during and after the "Kristallnacht". How did it feel to be a Jewish youngster (religious or not at all) who went to school with Nazis and not Nazis (but how to know who is and who is not ?!), and other Jews and wanted to be - as everybody - liked by his peers, who had the dream of becoming a Junior Boxing Champion, and the good luck to have the talent necessary to achieve that goal, and besides to be trained by the Heavyweight World Champion Max Schmeling, icon of German and Arian supremacy? What did it mean to be a German, not necessarily a Nazi, trying to just "muddle through" or even an anti-Nazi? How did the climate (of collective paranoia and hate) that permeated every aspect of daily life, feel on either side?
Very well written, tansmits masterfully the climate one would assume reigned in those days.
4 people found this helpful
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Janyce K. Mose
4.0 out of 5 stars Stopped too soon
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2015
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Good story and interesting descriptions of Schmelling and his fights. Could have been a little deeper, but it was fiction after all. I really wished it had gone on with a little f life in America and his boxing career
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Patrick K
5.0 out of 5 stars An Incredible Story, A Strong Character
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2017
Verified Purchase
This novel surprised me. I will admit that I am one of the few who did not fall in love with The Book Thief. I loved the use of Death as a narrator, but the story did not captivate me as much as I would have liked. This story did captivate me. I found myself entranced by this wolrld, living in the fear and determination. Karl was a relatable character, showing strengths and flaws. He was real. His situation with bullies is timeless. His struggle with accepting himself for who he is can be compared to many other types of situations. His desire to grow stronger, be better, and find courage makes him endearing. Though I was not a teen during WW2, I see much of myself in Karl. I recommend this highly. This novel deserves a film adaptation. It is incredible.
3 people found this helpful
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PDXbibliophile
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Historical Fiction for Teens And Adults
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2013
Verified Purchase
The Berlin Boxing Club will be a classic. "Not all Germans are the same. It is only politics. It will pass." Every time Karl tries to talk to an adult about what is happening in his neighborhood in Berlin in 1934 that is what they say. Even his Jewish parents. Karl decides if he can become the greatest young boxer in Germany, it will change people's impressions of Jews. Max Schmeling is a family friend, and he arranges for Karl to train at his gym. Since no one at the gym knows Karl is Jewish, he continues to compete even after Hitler enacts the Nuremberg Race Laws. As things go from difficult to desperate to dangerous, many Jews, including Karl's parents, still say, "It will pass." By the time of Kristallnacht in 1938, Karl's father has lost his art gallery, the family has been forced to sell off all of their possessions so there is no money to escape, and most of their friends have already emigrated or been arrested. Teens will be engaged by Karl's determination and harrowing experiences. Some will be enthralled by the detailed descriptions of boxing training and fights. Adults will be dismayed at how naive Karl's parents are even as their family and friends are being arrested. The Berlin Boxing Club takes the reader to heart of Berlin in the 30's and into the lives of Karl, his family and his family's friends.
2 people found this helpful
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Drake
5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2015
Verified Purchase
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The historical context makes the novel so believable!! The fiery fear and anguish that was felt by a once helpless buy transforms into unstoppable young man in the ring. A story of tough trials, pursuit of passion, and the will to survive in what seems like the pit of hell. Highly recommended this book!

-Best of luck,
Drake
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douglas Robertson
3.0 out of 5 stars Well done Rob.
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
I loved the idea of the time period. I loved the characters. Well written. I couldn't wait to go back and continue reading. The fiction story about a family and their troubles, and the mix with the nonfictional characters was genius. Well done Rob Sharenow!! Can't wait to read more of your stuff.
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2016
Verified Purchase
I have studied the Holocaust and Nazi Germany in school, but this book opened my eyes to the extent of hate and violence against the Jews. I literally laughed and cried.
The beautiful blending of fact and fiction made thus book come alive. The author did an amazing job of writing.
If you are into Historical fiction, I highly recommend this book.
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Top reviews from other countries

David albert
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in Canada on January 15, 2023
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Good read
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sue jefferies
5.0 out of 5 stars It inspired my son to read more.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2016
Verified Purchase
My 13 year old son (who never reads) had to read a book about life in Nazi Germany for a school project. Couldn't find one in the library that interested him so looked on Amazon and found this one. It took a while to be delivered but when it got here my son started reading, and he couldn't put it down. He absolutely loved it.
One person found this helpful
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Peter
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good!
Reviewed in Canada on March 18, 2021
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Very good!
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G. P. Rasch
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book I couldn't put it down and read it ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2017
Verified Purchase
Great book I couldn't put it down and read it in six and a bit hours very unusual for me but I really couldn't put it down.

A book that would interest all not just boxing fans. A book that shows just how cruel, shameful and disgusting Nazism is.
One person found this helpful
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Beloslava
5.0 out of 5 stars Will order again
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2018
Verified Purchase
Very good condition, as described
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