Stones in Water by Donna Jo Napoli

Reviewed by Lori
Stones in Water
Title: Stones in Water

Author: Donna Jo Napoli

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 284760

Description: After being taken by German soldiers from a local movie theatre along with boys including his Jewish friend, Roberto is forced to work in Germany, escapes into the Ukrainian winter, before desperately trying to make his way back home.

Rubric Rating: Level 3 - Laud It

Why I Read It: I'm a fan of WWII fiction and stories from around the world.

Lori's Notes: Roberto, along with several friends including his Jewish friend Samuele, is kidnapped from a movie theatre in Venice to work in hard labour camps in Germany.  Subjected to the horror of war, Roberto wants desperately to return home but knows he must also help protect Samuele (now called Enzo) who will be killed if discovered.  The first half of the story is really a story about friendship and keeping each other alive.  The second half of the story is Roberto's long trek to find his way home and his coming-of-age in these turbulent times.  This story is loosely based on a story recounted to the author.

Recommended Readers:  Grade 6 and Up.  A good title for boys who like war or survival stories.

Themes: WWII, Friendship, Children in War, Family, Religion, Escape, Trust, Coming-of-age, Survival, Life and Death, Personal Sacrifice

Cross-Genre Links: 
Web-search: Venice, Italy in WWII
Movie: Europa, Europa (1990)
Poem: My Boy Jack by Rudyard Kipling

Inquiries and Activities: 
  • Why do you think Roberto and his friends are kidnapped from the movie theatre?
  • Why do the boys rename Samuele, Enzo?  What other things do they do to help protect Samuele's identity?  Why is it important that they do so?
  • How does Roberto change over the course of the novel?  What maintains the same?
  • What most struck you about this novel?  What might you have done differently if you were Roberto?
  • Create a movie poster and tag line for this novel
  • What happens when you cannot trust those around you? 
  • How does having a friend help during times of crisis?



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