Kaiser Brightman 082314

Book Reviews From Amazon.com .....

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great WWII adventure novel, April 4, 2012

By R.A. Heiss (Retired Middle School Teacher)

Author Michael Springer has another winner with the third of his World War II adventure novels, this one set in 1944. Even the title, KAISER BRIGHTMAN 0822314, demands attention.

This novel has all the elements of a great action story: a German prisoner of war camp on an island in the middle of the Minnesota River near a German-speaking community; a draft dodger; three young boys with dads and a brother fighting the Germans in Europe. They build a raft, reconnoiter the island, and encounter a PW who drops a matchbook cover with these strange words and numbers on the back: KAISER BRIGHTMAN 082314.

These boys--Frank Warner, Jack Steiner, and Skeeter Stark--look for trouble and find it beyond anything they imagined. This is war on the home front with a twist.

As an educator, I appreciate the many 'easy history lessons' the book provides -- a great way to teach.

KAISER BRIGHTMAN 082314 is a five-star novel that readers of any age will like, and wish it didn't have to end. Let's hope there's a sequel.

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Dogface Soldier" reflects, March 13, 2012
By Ang

I'm a member of the so-called "Greatest Generation" getting old but with many fine memories. I was in the 3rd Infantry Division, a Dogface Soldier during World War II, wounded and survived.

I took a trip down memory lane with Michael Springer's novel, KAISER BRIGHTMAN 082314. Two of the boys' dads are in the 3rd Division, and I got an idea again of what the folks at home went through with their fathers and brothers at war.

I think if I'd known how well the US treated German prisoners of war, I might have been even angrier at the Krauts than I was. I saw some of the allied POWs as we liberated Europe, and it's a memory that will never fade.

On the surface this is a young person's book, but it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages because of the lessons it teaches and the history it recalls.

Five-stars on all counts from an old Dogface Soldier proud to have served.

Book Reviews From Barnes & Noble

KAISER BRIGHTMAN is another wonderful read from this author, tak

Reviewed by Mary James

KAISER BRIGHTMAN is another wonderful read from this author, taking one back to a well-remembered childhood. Again, Michael Springer's book evokes memories of another time: fathers, brothers, sons fighting a war in Europe and those left behind; rationing gas and food because of shortages; victory gardens, sunny summer days and boys doing what boys do. This book is set in a time before we had TV, when kids had to make their own fun--and mischief--and Frank, Jack and Skeeter certainly do that. This, and Mr. Springer's two earlier books are great history lessons; he is incredibly accurate in recounting that time when Americans were participants in the 'big' war and the greatest generation helped keep us safe. These books would make enjoyable family movies.

 

Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite
Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite

The setting for "Kaiser Brightman 082314" by Michael Springer is New Bonn, Minnesota in 1944. German prisoners were detained across the river at Muskrat Island. They worked in the local cannery that was short of labor. Three twelve year old boys spent the summer watching the camp. At first it was a game to Frank and Jack. They pretended they were Marine Raiders and plotted how to do a reconnaissance of the German Camp. Soon another young man joined them. Skeeter was their age in years but older in other ways. He hated the Germans and plotted to kill them. The three young men found a matchbook cover with Kaiser Brightman 082314 written on it, intercepted strange radio messages and witnessed a murder.

While there is a definite air of mystery in this book, it is so much more. Kaiser Brightman 082314 is a coming of age book, three boys maturing over the summer, working together to solve a mystery. Skeeter is a troubled youth who tends to bully others especially Jack. This tale draws the youths together who form an incredible bond. Jack and Frank come to understand Skeeter in a manner that no one else had ever cared enough to do. I was vaguely reminded of the movie “Stand By Me.”

Springer’s plot and characters are believable. I was so caught up in this tale that I actually did a search to see if New Bonn, MN, really existed. I also started researching whether German prisoners were detained in Kentucky. I found out that two assisted my grandfather in law on his farm. Springer has created a tale that transported me to the past, made me think and made me curious. This book is appropriate for a wide range of age from 10 year olds on up. The style is easy to read. I could easily see this used in a class as a low reader/high interest book. Well done Mr. Springer!