The end of World War II forms the backdrop for this third book about the Platt family. The chronicle began with Journey to America (Aladdin, 1987), which told of the family's escape from Nazi Germany. In Silver Days (Atheneum, 1989), the middle daughter, Lisa, describes the family's difficulties in assimilating into American life. Here Annie, 13, continues their tale in a realistic, honest coming-of-age story. Readers will be immediately drawn to this likable heroine whose sensitivity and intelligence are keenly felt. Levitin juxtaposes the family's problems with Annie's need to become more independent and "American." When a school guidance counselor offers her the chance to go to a Quaker summer camp, she is thrilled, but she worries that her parents will not let her go. To her surprise, they agree. After normal newcomer's jitters and homesickness, she becomes a star camper and befriends a black girl whose background is totally different from her own. Annie's candor throughout is refreshing, and though some things do work out happily for her, there are frustrations, disappointments, and disillusionments as well. A novel that promises and delivers.

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