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  • Published: 2 April 2024
  • ISBN: 9780593112083
  • Imprint: Dutton
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $39.99

Max in the House of Spies

A Tale of World War II



Instant New York Times bestseller!

Max in the House of Spies is everything you could hope for in a book,” -R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder, White Bird, and Pony

“Espionage! Secrets! Suspense! If you’ve ever dreamed of being a spy, this book is for you.” -Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Projekt 1065

An instant New York Times bestseller!

Max in the House of Spies is everything you could hope for in a book,” -R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder, White Bird, and Pony

“Espionage! Secrets! Suspense! If you’ve ever dreamed of being a spy, this book is for you.” -Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Projekt 1065

Max Bretzfeld doesn’t want to move to London.

Leaving home is hard and Max is alone for the first time in his life. But not for long. Max is surprised to discover that he’s been joined by two unexpected traveling companions, one on each shoulder, a kobold and a dybbuk named Berg and Stein.

Germany is becoming more and more dangerous for Jewish families, but Max is determined to find a way back home, and back to his parents. He has a plan to return to Berlin. It merely involves accomplishing the impossible: becoming a British spy.

The first book in a duology, Max in the House of Spies is a thought-provoking World War II story as only acclaimed storyteller Adam Gidwitz can tell it—fast-paced and hilarious, with a dash of magic and a lot of heart.

  • Published: 2 April 2024
  • ISBN: 9780593112083
  • Imprint: Dutton
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $39.99

About the author

Adam Gidwitz

Adam Gidwitz grew up in Baltimore, USA. Now he lives in Brooklyn and teaches kids large and slightly less large at Saint Ann's School. Adam always writes about things that he's experienced personally. So, while all of the dark and grim things in this book really did happen to Hansel and Gretel, they also happened to Adam. Of course, if you've ever had a childhood, they've probably happened to you too. Want to hear more about Adam's harrowing experiences? Visit him online at www.adamgidwitz.com

Also by Adam Gidwitz

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Praise for Max in the House of Spies

“Clever Max plays the long game with determination, and his agency is refreshing…. This heartfelt historical novel explores big questions of autonomy and allegiance with an admirable protagonist readers will respect and adore.” —Booklist, starred review

“Gidwitz imbues Max’s first-person voice with plentiful charm and intellect, making him an irresistible and irrepressible protagonist…. An exciting mixture of triumphs and perils, leading up to a cliffhanger ending that will have readers clamoring for the sequel.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A duology opener with a truly likable hero and clever puzzling. Max in the House of Spies—packed with sideways thinking, sociopolitical insights, and a Marmite-eating kangaroo named Kathy—delights.″ —Kirkus


Praise for The Inquisitor’s Tale
A Newbery Honor Book
Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award
New York Times Bestseller

“What Gidwitz accomplishes here is staggering.″ —New York Times Book Review
“Adam Gidwitz mingles earthy humor and high culture in The Inquisitor’s Tale.”—Wall Street Journal, Best Books of the Year
“Three children persecuted for their religious beliefs band together to fight intolerance—and save their necks—in this fascinating story set in 13th century France.”—People

Praise for The Tale Dark & Grimm series
TODAY Show Al’s Book Club for Kids pick
E. B. White Read Aloud Award Honor Book
New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice selection
New York Times Bestseller

“A wonderful sense of humor and narrative voice … completely fresh and unique.” —Rick Riordan, #1 bestselling author 
“Unlike any children’s book I’ve ever read. . . . Classic.” —New York Times Book Review
“Wicked smart and wicked funny. . . . Gidwitz truly cares about the kids he writes for.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review