First Chapter Friday Read Aloud + Author Interview | War Games by Alan Gratz (WWII Historical Fiction for Middle Grade Readers)
This First Chapter Friday features an epic mix of Olympics, espionage, and a gripping mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz! I’ll read the suspenseful first chapter of War Games—plus share an exclusive interview with the author himself and a mystery quote activity your students will love.
About the Book: It’s 1936, and 13-year-old Evie Harris has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete at the Olympic Games in Berlin. But what begins as a celebration of athletic excellence quickly becomes something much darker. As Evie navigates Nazi-controlled Berlin, she uncovers a dangerous secret—and becomes tangled in a high-stakes mission to expose injustice, protect her family, and stop a war before it begins. With a gymnast heroine, real historical figures like Jesse Owens, and a fast-paced plot filled with danger and discovery, War Games is perfect for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and brave kids who make bold choices.
Perfect for:
Middle school ELA and social studies crossover lessons
First Chapter Friday read-alouds
Historical fiction & WWII book units
Readers who love high-stakes adventure and character-driven storytelling
Students interested in Olympic history, resistance movements, and moral courage
QUICK TRIGGER WARNING: This book is, in part, about the Nazis. The Nazi's did some pretty terrible things, like put people in concentration camps based on their religion and sexuality. They also sterilized some people they thought inferior so they could not have children. These topics come up in this book. Nothing is ever graphically described, but I want you to know that there will be some hard things in these pages. Read and share as you choose. You know your school climate and students best.
Use this video to:
✅ Introduce historical fiction in an exciting and accessible way
✅ Spark class discussions about ethics, propaganda, and standing up to injustice
✅ Pair with a mystery quote activity that challenges critical thinking
✅ Bring Alan Gratz’s words and wisdom directly to your students with an exclusive author interview
📝 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Alan's website: https://www.alangratz.com/
FREE Virtual Author Visits: https://www.alangratz.com/events/
Appreciate this free video? Fuel future content by buying me a virtual coffee ☕: https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
📚 Grab your copy of War Games by Alan Gratz (affiliate link):
https://amzn.to/43ddgHT
📌 Subscribe for more First Chapter Friday read-alouds, author interviews, student activities, and classroom-ready inspiration!
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
#FirstChapterFriday #WarGames #AlanGratz #WWIIBooksForKids #HistoricalFiction #Olympics1936 #BooksForMiddleSchool #ReadAloud #MiddleGradeBooks #ResistanceFighters #BooksFor6thGrade #ClassroomReadAloud #SocialStudiesELA #StudentEngagement #WordNerdReads #AuthorInterview #amandazieba #wordnerd
This First Chapter Friday features an epic mix of Olympics, espionage, and a gripping mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz! I’ll read the suspenseful first chapter of War Games—plus share an exclusive interview with the author himself and a mystery quote activity your students will love.
About the Book: It’s 1936, and 13-year-old Evie Harris has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete at the Olympic Games in Berlin. But what begins as a celebration of athletic excellence quickly becomes something much darker. As Evie navigates Nazi-controlled Berlin, she uncovers a dangerous secret—and becomes tangled in a high-stakes mission to expose injustice, protect her family, and stop a war before it begins. With a gymnast heroine, real historical figures like Jesse Owens, and a fast-paced plot filled with danger and discovery, War Games is perfect for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and brave kids who make bold choices.
Perfect for:
Middle school ELA and social studies crossover lessons
First Chapter Friday read-alouds
Historical fiction & WWII book units
Readers who love high-stakes adventure and character-driven storytelling
Students interested in Olympic history, resistance movements, and moral courage
QUICK TRIGGER WARNING: This book is, in part, about the Nazis. The Nazi's did some pretty terrible things, like put people in concentration camps based on their religion and sexuality. They also sterilized some people they thought inferior so they could not have children. These topics come up in this book. Nothing is ever graphically described, but I want you to know that there will be some hard things in these pages. Read and share as you choose. You know your school climate and students best.
Use this video to:
✅ Introduce historical fiction in an exciting and accessible way
✅ Spark class discussions about ethics, propaganda, and standing up to injustice
✅ Pair with a mystery quote activity that challenges critical thinking
✅ Bring Alan Gratz’s words and wisdom directly to your students with an exclusive author interview
📝 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
Alan's website: https://www.alangratz.com/
FREE Virtual Author Visits: https://www.alangratz.com/events/
Appreciate this free video? Fuel future content by buying me a virtual coffee ☕: https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
📚 Grab your copy of War Games by Alan Gratz (affiliate link):
https://amzn.to/43ddgHT
📌 Subscribe for more First Chapter Friday read-alouds, author interviews, student activities, and classroom-ready inspiration!
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
#FirstChapterFriday #WarGames #AlanGratz #WWIIBooksForKids #HistoricalFiction #Olympics1936 #BooksForMiddleSchool #ReadAloud #MiddleGradeBooks #ResistanceFighters #BooksFor6thGrade #ClassroomReadAloud #SocialStudiesELA #StudentEngagement #WordNerdReads #AuthorInterview #amandazieba #wordnerd