Black Radishes

A Sydney Taylor Honor Award–winning novel of courage, identity, and resistance during World War II.

In March 1940, twelve-year-old Gustave and his Jewish family are forced to leave Paris for the French countryside, where they hope they’ll be safe from the growing Nazi threat. Gustave hates leaving behind the city he loves, especially his cousin Jean-Paul and his best friend, the mischievous Marcel. But soon, everything changes.

When the Nazis invade France and occupy Paris, Gustave realizes that the people he left behind are in terrible danger. Then he discovers that a new friend has connections to the French Resistance. Gustave begins to wonder if there might be a way to help Jean-Paul, Marcel, and their families escape the occupied zone.

His plan will require a dangerous journey into Nazi-occupied France. For a Jewish boy, getting in is risky. Getting back out alive may be impossible.

Inspired by the author’s father’s experiences during World War II, Black Radishes is a moving story of family, friendship, resistance, and one boy’s growing understanding of what it means to be both Jewish and French at a moment when the world around him is changing forever.

Don’t miss Skating with the Statue of Liberty, the poignant companion to Black Radishes, which follows Gustave as he begins a new chapter of his life in New York City.

Praise for Black Radishes
A Sydney Taylor Honor Award Winner
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year
An Instructor Magazine Best Kids' Historical Fiction Book
A Massachusetts Book Award Must-Read Book

"Full of tension, this coming-of-age story presents a picture of life during the early days of World War II."—Bulletin

“An excellent recent novel that can introduce readers to a wider world. . . . Meyer builds the tension by using real-life events (detailed in an author’s note) and creates in Gustave a very believable boy who behaves bravely when he must.”—The Horn Book

"Meyer shines light on the bravery of Resistance fighters, and her story...[is] a gripping read comparable to Marilyn Sachs's classic A Pocket Full of Seeds, Carol Matas's Greater Than Angels, and Norma Fox Mazer's Good Night, Maman."—SLJ

"Partly based on Meyer’s father’s experiences, the story derives its credibility from the vivid details...[a] fine first novel."—Booklist

"This debut novel, loosely based on the author's father's experiences,...raises important questions about nationalism, equality and identity and fills a void in Holocaust literature for this age group."—Kirkus Reviews