I really liked this book and I liked the time period it was set in. I also like when the author had suspense in parts and the way he makes you sad when Denny's dad dies.

RECORDED BOOOKS (unabridged) 2003, narrated by Nick Landrum.Cass: I can't figure out how to add the audio cassette version, so I've attached my review to the paperback listing.(CIP) In wartime Brooklyn in 1943, eleven-year-old Howie Crispers mounts a campaign to save his favorite teacher from being fired.(Claudia) For the narration alone, Don’t You Know… is an irresistible read, as Howie Crispers confidentially gives us the scoop on his wartime (WWII) experiences in Brooklyn during his 5th grade...

wide reading for CI 546grade level: 4th/5th grade reading level-wise, middle school content level-wisegenre: historical fiction. themes: war, spies, friendship, promises, secretsschool use: Great way to dip kids into WWII--from a kid standpoint. rather than "what was it like to be in the war" this book looks at "what was it like to be a kid while this war was going on." also lots of neat details re: censorship of military letters, women at work, blackouts, etc. = stuff that it's hard to get a fl...

"Don't You Know There's A War on?" takes place in Brooklyn, New York with a family that revolves mainly around an 11 year old by the name of, Howard "Howie" Crispers. At the time, Howie was in the 5th grade while the war was taking place. He attended school along side his pal, Denny Coleman. Both Denny and Howie's fathers were in the war. Howie's teachers name was Ms. Gossim. She was in the same predicament because her husband was also in the war along with their fathers. I like this book becaus...

Don’t You Know There is A War On. The book “Don’t you know there is a war on” is about a boy named Howard Bellington Crispers. He goes by Howie and His best friend is Denny. The two are in the time period of WW2 and they have been through some hard stuff. The food rations are making everyone hungry and hostile. The thought of having spies in the US from other countries is driving them crazy! The boys are set in their way and convinced that their principal is a spy. At one point, Howie is follow...

The book ¨Dont you know there’s a war on?¨ is historical fiction, and a mystery book By Edward Irving Wortis also known as AVI. The book goes over the theme of friendship, war, and adventure. The plot of the story follows Howie Crispers during WW2 in Brooklyn New York. Howie is a young boy whose imagination gets the best of him and his best friend Denny. Howie thinks his principal Dr. Lomister is a nazi spy. So Denny and he started developing a plan to expose their principal. During the time H...

Sixteen year old Howie Crispers narrates this story about his 11 year old, 5th grade self. In Brooklyn during the Second World War shortages and facing shortages and anxiety of the unknown whereabouts of parents and others serving, Howie lives like most preteens—grudgingly watching his little sister, sharing secrets—and crushes—with best friend, and taking risks in the adventures his world offers him.The story is full of dialog heavily peppered with wonderful innocent slang of the era (“Holy smo...

Avi is one of my favorite authors and I've read most if his books. So I think the reason I give this one only 3 stars is the comparison I made with his other works. The first part of the book didn't hook me at all and I almost put it down but since it is a short read, I just gave it a go. I love Denny's character, in fact, I like him better than Howie. Though Howie is also adorable. The mystery around Mrs. Gossim's character wasn't so much intriguing. I guess it lacks depth unlike the other char...

March 1943, America was at war. Father’s were away, mother’s were working, newspaper headlines were scary, food was rationed and Howie Crispers believed his principal was a Nazi spy. That was why he felt compelled to enter a Brooklyn brownstone through the coal shut, travel upstairs in a dumbwaiter, and eavesdrop on Mr. Lomister’s conversation. He is horrified to discover, not wartime secrets, but that his beloved teacher is about to be fired. Avi creates a wonderful character in Howie who strug...

Don’t You Know There’s a War On? by Avi is an interesting middle-grade book. The story is told through the perspective of fifth grader Howie Crispers in all the grammar and slang of the time period. I learned quite a few things I didn’t know about how families coped with all the rationing and air raids and blackouts. Actual newspaper headlines and dates break up the sections of the book. The core of the story is Howie’s desire to help others, especially his favorite teacher Miss Gossim. Since he...

I’ve been a massive fan of Avi for over twenty years. I was excited to read this one — which I hadn’t read before — in preparation for an upcoming virtual book club.I figured I’d like it. What I wasn’t prepared for was the parallels between living in wartime and living in the middle of a pandemic. The odd “new normal,” the little details that permeate every aspect of life, the fear of what may happen next. Avi captures it all beautifully, and through the eyes of a main character who tries to fin...

"Don't You Know There's a War On?" Is a charming and slightly bittersweet YA book about life on the homefront during the Second World War. Set primarily in 1943 the book portrays one of the worst and most uncertain times for the civilian population without becoming melodramatic or dark. Howie, the eleven year old protagonist and narrator, recounts food shortages, war time fears of spies and sabatoge and the uncertainty that comes from having his father in a combat zone while still maintaining a

Even though this book is 13 yrs old - older than my students I read it with - like most AVI works it is timeless. We laughed, and we cried and everything doesn't always end with happy ever after. My students were especially intrigued to find out what happened to Denny and his mom after the war - they felt they were left hanging. Many said it needed a sequel...hmmm, maybe a new boo idea for you AVI!

Not my favorite of the Avi books I’ve read, he wrote about the life of a fifth grade boy during WWII trying to cope with the things happening in his life. The switching between the ah shucks, if I don’t pass my math test, my mom won’t let me go to the movies, daydreaming about his cute teacher, who is being fired for getting pregnant and being somewhat worried about his father on a ship didn’t work for me. Might be more appropriate for Middle school readers.

Hi, my name is Howie Crispers. I live on a big street and there are lots of kids in it. I go to a school where most kids go and we have lots of fun at school. Our teacher is Miss Gossim and she is really fun. My best friend is Denny, we go on many adventures together. I recommend this story to readers that like happy and sad stuff.

So I came across this book on a list of WW2/Homefront books. I had no idea it was YA but it came in from the library and I decided to read it....it took less than a day.It's cute and a good introduction to the time period for its intended audience (hence the 4 stars). I can't say I enjoyed it much but had I read it when I was 8 or 9, I probably would have loved it.

My favorite of Avi's novels. The most involved I ever felt in a story as a kid was while reading this. It was gripping, funny, romantic, and ultimately devastating. One of the very, very few books I never forgot.

Surprisingly touching story of a boy in WW2 struggling to find something he can do to help those around him. Howie Crispers comes to life with a vivid voice that immerses you in his Brooklyn neighborhood.

Ok middle grade book about a fifth grade boy in WWII. Great Brooklyn voice and wartime description; I could envision it easily as I read. However, the kid does some stupid stuff that had me inwardly cringing. It was compelling enough to finish.

I loved this book. From the setting, to the characters, to the emotions. What a great tribute to coming together in bad times. With all our WWII vets and those who lived through it perishing, these books hold great importance. It’s funny, it’s sad, it’s an adventure. Great read.

Told from a young boys point of view; this book is funny, sad and shows the enormous compassion children can have toward others. I only wish it ended a little different. This is a feel good, easy read book.

A perfect read for World War II lesson in 5th or 6th grade.

Good book about WW II. A group of fifth graders are trying to save their teachers job. Some historical info in it for kids to learn a bit about the war.

Gave this 4 stars for young people. It really catches the essence of what it was like living in Brooklyn during WW2 for children in elementary school. I enjoyed it.

5th grader Howie works to help the teacher he loves as he struggles with the absence of his father in the merchant marine during WW2.

I like how the book was made and how the characters acted and on how the dates changed on when a big event happened in World War Two.please wright more and maybe make a book about the Cold War.

It took me a little bit to get into the style of the book, but once I did, I enjoyed it. I liked the way the headlines were used to introduce each day.

it was okay, it wasn't very realistic but I liked how it showed world war 1 was in the eyes of a child.

Title: Don't You Know There's a War On?Author: AviGenre: Historical FictionTheme(s): War, Family, FriendshipOpening line/sentence: I was late that Monday morning because my shoelace broke just as I was leaving for school.Brief Book Summary: Howie and his best friend have a crush on their teacher who they discover is going to be fired. The story of their discovery and eventual saving of her job takes place over 7 days (The books' entirety covers these 7 days).Professional Recommendation/Review #1...

This book was written by Avi, the use of old literature and the characters involved kept the readers engaged, and made the book sound more interesting. Just the ending was a bit off, but the intro and main story was really good.