Someone Talked — R. Conrad Stein

It's August, 1944. World War II rages in Europe and the Pacific. Chicago, Illinois seems a long way from the fighting, and yet, is all safe there? Might spies be lurking in the shadows, plotting to blow up American factories? Twelve-year-olds Dan and Tony just might have spotted such a German spy. Is he on the brink of committing some dastardly deed against the war effort? How are they going to stop him before it's too late?

Includes “The World War II Homefront” -- author's essay on the historical background.

Moonbeam Award: Bronze medal in the Pre-Teen Fiction- Historical/Cultural category, 2012

REVIEW: World War II magazine, July/August 2012
It's August 1944, and two 12-year-olds growing up in Chicago, Tony Avellini and Dan Zelinski, might have caught sight of a German saboteur. Stoked by ever-present war stories and cautionary signs like the “SOMEONE TALKED!” poster featuring “a drowning sailor desperately trying to keep his head above the waves,” they decide to find out.

R. ConradStein, author of more than 300 books for young readers, is a pro at plot, pacing, dialog, and character, and his love of his hometown yields richly textured locations we come to know as the boys pursue their quest. Someone Talked! is a great read for ages 8 and up that doesn't pander or talk down to kids; it engages their curiosity and intelligence. And Stein's afterword, “The WorldWar II Homefront,” offers a succinct but solid look at the real historical context shaping his preteen counterspies. -- Gene Santoro

COMMENT: Stein weaves a tale of suspense as his young heroes are swept up in wartime intrigue. Conflicting forces of friendship, patriotism, and ethical dilemmas take the mischievous 12-year-olds on a harrowing adventure. Real locations, historic events, and ethnic differences show how World War II affected everyday life on the neighborhood level. A first-rate thriller for young people!” -- Ann Heinrichs, Librarian and Children's Book Author