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The Web of the Spider #1
Rise of the Spider (1)
Witness the chilling rise of the Nazi Party through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy in this first book in the action-packed middle grade series Web of the Spider for fans of I Survived and A Night Divided.1929, Heroldsberg, Germany. Rolf might only be twelve years old, but he’s old enough to know that things have not been good in his country since the end of the Great War. Half of Germany is out of work, and a new political movement is taking hold that scares him. Every night, Rolf’s father and older brother, Romer, have increasingly heated arguments about politics at the dinner table. And when two members of the new Nazi Party, Hans and Nils, move to town as part of the Hitler Youth, Rolf is uneasy to see how enamored Romer is by their promises of bringing Germany to glory. Rolf doesn’t trust Hans and Nils for a moment. For all their talk of greatness, they act more like bullies, antagonizing shop owners who are Rolf’s friends and neighbors. Yet Romer becomes increasingly obsessed with their message of division, and Rolf watches in horror as his family fractures even further. When there is an act of vandalism against a Jewish-owned business in town, Rolf fears Romer might have had something to do with it. Can Rolf find a way to intervene before things get any worse?
160 pages, Hardcover
Published September 24, 2024
6 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Michael P. Spradlin
60 books130 followersMichael P. Spradlin is the author of more than a dozen books for children.
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June 14, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
It's 1929 in the Bavarian town of Heroldsberg, Germany. Rolf, who is 12, is worried about his older brother, Romer. A brilliant soccer player, Romer is increasingly dissatisfied with life, and fights frequently with their father, who runs a toy factory in nearby Nuremberg that is experiencing difficulties. Rolf knows that things are hard in Germany; after the Great War, the country had to pay reparations, and the economy was suffering. Ansel, Rolf's best friend, is well versed in the news of the day because his father is a reporter for the Nuremberg Zeitgeist. When the two friends see Romer talking to two young men, they are worried to find that Hans and Nils have moved to town to set up an office for the National Socialist German Workers Party, better known as the Nazis. While Ansel isn't pleased with the spidery Hans' glib replies and calls Hitler an idiot, Rolf is more circumspect in his speech. He does tell his father, who is not happy that Romer is considering joining the Hitler Youth. Rolf asks if his older brother, Klaus, who died in the Great War, was also troublesome at that age, and the father does remember that Klaus fought quite a lot with his mother, who died of the Spanish flu. Still, when Mrs. Hufnagel's bakery is attacked and set on fire, and Romer's shirt smells of kerosene, Rolf becomes very worried about his brother. When he finds that Romer has traveled to Nuremberg for a rally, he and his father go after them. With things heating up in the country, will Rolf and his father be able to keep Romer safe?
Unfortunately, this ends on a cliffhanger, and the next book, Threat of the Spider, doesn't even have a publication date yet! I love the description of what everyday life was like in Heroldsberg, and the information about the economic difficulties makes it easier to grasp why the German people supported Hitler and were coerced into believing his lies about the Jewish population. Almost one hundred years later, many of these details tend to fade away, so Rolf's experiences are a good foundation for understanding how Hitler's rise to power was possible, and how the Holocaust was able to happen.
Spradlin has done a number of books about World War II, including The Enemy Above, Prisoner of War, and Into the Killing Seas, as well as the nonfiction Jack Montgomery: Gallantry at Anzio (Medal of Honor), so he brings not only incredible historical research to this book, but also a good feel for the time
period. As soon as I found out that Rolf's mother had died, I thought "Who's the family's housekeeper/cook?" Sure enough, we soon met Mrs. Holsten, who was supporting her seven children after her husband perished in the Great War. I loved the father's explanation that he had to keep her on as a way to support the economy!
There are many stories of fighting during the war, and of the wide range of experiences of Jewish citizens in horrible circumstances, but in the US, there aren't many stories about how ordinary German citizens lived, and how they felt about the Nazis. I had dear friends who were just about Rolf's age. Both were forced into being in the Hitler Youth, but got into quite a bit of trouble for putting the uniform neckerchief on a dog! Seeing the political events through Rolf's eyes was very interesting, and the stage is set for even more enlightening and exciting adventures. Hand this to readers who enjoyed Smith's My Brother's Secret, Hoose's The Boys Who Challenged Hitler, McCormick The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero, Osbourne's Winter's Bullet or other books that give more background about the lives of ordinary people during the lead up to World War II.
It's 1929 in the Bavarian town of Heroldsberg, Germany. Rolf, who is 12, is worried about his older brother, Romer. A brilliant soccer player, Romer is increasingly dissatisfied with life, and fights frequently with their father, who runs a toy factory in nearby Nuremberg that is experiencing difficulties. Rolf knows that things are hard in Germany; after the Great War, the country had to pay reparations, and the economy was suffering. Ansel, Rolf's best friend, is well versed in the news of the day because his father is a reporter for the Nuremberg Zeitgeist. When the two friends see Romer talking to two young men, they are worried to find that Hans and Nils have moved to town to set up an office for the National Socialist German Workers Party, better known as the Nazis. While Ansel isn't pleased with the spidery Hans' glib replies and calls Hitler an idiot, Rolf is more circumspect in his speech. He does tell his father, who is not happy that Romer is considering joining the Hitler Youth. Rolf asks if his older brother, Klaus, who died in the Great War, was also troublesome at that age, and the father does remember that Klaus fought quite a lot with his mother, who died of the Spanish flu. Still, when Mrs. Hufnagel's bakery is attacked and set on fire, and Romer's shirt smells of kerosene, Rolf becomes very worried about his brother. When he finds that Romer has traveled to Nuremberg for a rally, he and his father go after them. With things heating up in the country, will Rolf and his father be able to keep Romer safe?
Unfortunately, this ends on a cliffhanger, and the next book, Threat of the Spider, doesn't even have a publication date yet! I love the description of what everyday life was like in Heroldsberg, and the information about the economic difficulties makes it easier to grasp why the German people supported Hitler and were coerced into believing his lies about the Jewish population. Almost one hundred years later, many of these details tend to fade away, so Rolf's experiences are a good foundation for understanding how Hitler's rise to power was possible, and how the Holocaust was able to happen.
Spradlin has done a number of books about World War II, including The Enemy Above, Prisoner of War, and Into the Killing Seas, as well as the nonfiction Jack Montgomery: Gallantry at Anzio (Medal of Honor), so he brings not only incredible historical research to this book, but also a good feel for the time
period. As soon as I found out that Rolf's mother had died, I thought "Who's the family's housekeeper/cook?" Sure enough, we soon met Mrs. Holsten, who was supporting her seven children after her husband perished in the Great War. I loved the father's explanation that he had to keep her on as a way to support the economy!
There are many stories of fighting during the war, and of the wide range of experiences of Jewish citizens in horrible circumstances, but in the US, there aren't many stories about how ordinary German citizens lived, and how they felt about the Nazis. I had dear friends who were just about Rolf's age. Both were forced into being in the Hitler Youth, but got into quite a bit of trouble for putting the uniform neckerchief on a dog! Seeing the political events through Rolf's eyes was very interesting, and the stage is set for even more enlightening and exciting adventures. Hand this to readers who enjoyed Smith's My Brother's Secret, Hoose's The Boys Who Challenged Hitler, McCormick The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero, Osbourne's Winter's Bullet or other books that give more background about the lives of ordinary people during the lead up to World War II.
June 17, 2025
The first in a series for middle-grade readers, about how life in a small town in Bavaria changed when the Nazi Party gained power. Not all at once, but gradually, the “Brown Shirts” that had filtered in with smiles and pamphlets began to commit more acts of violence against people who opposed them. When young Rolf sees that his own brother has become a Nazi sympathizer, he is horrified. But Rolf and his father have no idea what to do about it, or how to stop the increasing trouble caused by followers of Hitler…
This powerful series needs to be in every classroom, everywhere. I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
This powerful series needs to be in every classroom, everywhere. I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
June 9, 2025
Rise of the Spider is set in the small town of Heroldsberg, Germany as Adolf Hitler was beginning to rise in popularity and power. Young Rolf and his best friend Ansel watch a duo of Hitler Youth begin a chapter of the paramilitary boys group in their town and see that organization dovetail with the increase of Nazi leaders in government and local police along with anti-Semitic sentiment. Worse, Rolf’s older brother Romer has been drawn into the web of violence and political unrest.
Michael Spradlin mixes historical facts and locations with fictional Rolf, a likable main character. His dad, hard-working widower who has done all he could to support his boys amid his own grief over the loss of his wife and oldest son, will generate sympathy among readers. By the end of this opening book to a planned trilogy, readers will be left confident that Rolf and his dad will rise above the prejudice and hate and hoping they are able to find Romer and persuade him to leave the Hitler Youth.
Rise of the Spider is free of profanity and sexual content and this book 1 has kept violence fairly low. With its low page count of only 160 pages, fast-paced plot and high interest subject matter, an ideal choice for those in grades 5-7.
Thanks for the print arc, Margaret K McElderry/Simon & Schuster.
Michael Spradlin mixes historical facts and locations with fictional Rolf, a likable main character. His dad, hard-working widower who has done all he could to support his boys amid his own grief over the loss of his wife and oldest son, will generate sympathy among readers. By the end of this opening book to a planned trilogy, readers will be left confident that Rolf and his dad will rise above the prejudice and hate and hoping they are able to find Romer and persuade him to leave the Hitler Youth.
Rise of the Spider is free of profanity and sexual content and this book 1 has kept violence fairly low. With its low page count of only 160 pages, fast-paced plot and high interest subject matter, an ideal choice for those in grades 5-7.
Thanks for the print arc, Margaret K McElderry/Simon & Schuster.
September 24, 2024
This first book in The Web Of The Spider series for middle grade readers could not come at a more relevant time!
Young Rolf von Heusen is eleven years old in the spring of 1929. His main interests are football and palling around with his friends Ansel and Joshua. He thinks that his hometown of Heroldsberg, Germany is the most wonderful place in the world.
His older brother Romer does not share the same perspective. At fifteen, the once athletic and studious teenager has lost interest in both school and football. Instead, he starts hanging out with some brown shirted newcomers to town, Hans and Nils, who are opening up a youth branch of the Nationalist Socialist German Workers' Party. They try to sell it to Rolf and Ansel as a character- and skill-building group, like Boy Scouts, but the younger boys are immediately suspicious of the lack of adult guidance and supervision. Besides which Ansel's dad, a newspaper reporter, often talks about politics at the dinner table and loathes the Nazis with a passion.
The von Heusen dinner table hasn't been the most tranquil place in the world lately either, with Rolf's toy manufacturer father and Romer getting into constant fights about the state of both the economy and the country. When their father learns that Romer has joined the Nazi Youth, he goes ballistic. But it's another discovery that Rolf makes about his brother that could tear their family apart for good.
This slender novel was both action-packed and thought-provoking, and is a great indicator of the quality of the rest of the forthcoming series. Michael P Spradlin provides historical context for how Adolf Hitler was able to rise to power following the end of World War I, in which a defeated Germany was forced to pay reparations that seriously stunted the economy, leading to widespread joblessness, poverty and unhappiness. Romer represents the disaffected generation who hadn't witnessed the horrors of the battlefield firsthand, while his father wants to do anything possible to avoid a repeat of the bloodshed he'd both undergone himself and that had taken the life of his eldest son, Karl. Alexander von Heusen may be a struggling businessman, but he understands that Hitler's inflammatory rhetoric promises rewards only at the cost of more violence.
Rolf is still young enough to be naive about politics and religion, but as the Nazi Youth group slowly gains power in Heroldsberg, he begins to see not only their awful direct effect on his neighbors -- whom he'd never even realized were considered "other" because of their Jewish identity -- but also the chilling, almost casual cruelty they encourage in people he'd always assumed to be decent human beings. As he struggles to keep both his family and community together, he starts to understand that darkness is far more prevalent in the human heart than he'd ever imagined, and that he himself must take a stand if he wants to stop it from spreading.
Given our current political climate in the United States of America, this is a great time to be handing out this book to middle schoolers and other readers, just as a reminder of how insidious xenophobia and the kind of seemingly small aggressions that lead to hideous atrocities can be. Hatred can look innocuous or even enticing, as it builds in-groups and communities that disconnected people often need, but the obligation to stamp out the political manifestation of hatred -- in this case fascism -- at the slightest flicker remains as urgent now as it did during Hitler's rise to power.
I'm handing this to my 13 year-old to read next, and I think he'll really appreciate it. He's a good kid and we've definitely talked about politics before, so I think Rise Of The Spider will reinforce a lot of what we've discussed. It's definitely a great book for anyone who wants to know more about why people of good common sense are so antifascist, and for anyone who needs to be disabused of the notion that "it can't happen here."
Rise Of The Spider by Michael P Spradlin will be published tomorrow September 24 2024 by Margaret K McElderry Books and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review was originally published at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
Young Rolf von Heusen is eleven years old in the spring of 1929. His main interests are football and palling around with his friends Ansel and Joshua. He thinks that his hometown of Heroldsberg, Germany is the most wonderful place in the world.
His older brother Romer does not share the same perspective. At fifteen, the once athletic and studious teenager has lost interest in both school and football. Instead, he starts hanging out with some brown shirted newcomers to town, Hans and Nils, who are opening up a youth branch of the Nationalist Socialist German Workers' Party. They try to sell it to Rolf and Ansel as a character- and skill-building group, like Boy Scouts, but the younger boys are immediately suspicious of the lack of adult guidance and supervision. Besides which Ansel's dad, a newspaper reporter, often talks about politics at the dinner table and loathes the Nazis with a passion.
The von Heusen dinner table hasn't been the most tranquil place in the world lately either, with Rolf's toy manufacturer father and Romer getting into constant fights about the state of both the economy and the country. When their father learns that Romer has joined the Nazi Youth, he goes ballistic. But it's another discovery that Rolf makes about his brother that could tear their family apart for good.
This slender novel was both action-packed and thought-provoking, and is a great indicator of the quality of the rest of the forthcoming series. Michael P Spradlin provides historical context for how Adolf Hitler was able to rise to power following the end of World War I, in which a defeated Germany was forced to pay reparations that seriously stunted the economy, leading to widespread joblessness, poverty and unhappiness. Romer represents the disaffected generation who hadn't witnessed the horrors of the battlefield firsthand, while his father wants to do anything possible to avoid a repeat of the bloodshed he'd both undergone himself and that had taken the life of his eldest son, Karl. Alexander von Heusen may be a struggling businessman, but he understands that Hitler's inflammatory rhetoric promises rewards only at the cost of more violence.
Rolf is still young enough to be naive about politics and religion, but as the Nazi Youth group slowly gains power in Heroldsberg, he begins to see not only their awful direct effect on his neighbors -- whom he'd never even realized were considered "other" because of their Jewish identity -- but also the chilling, almost casual cruelty they encourage in people he'd always assumed to be decent human beings. As he struggles to keep both his family and community together, he starts to understand that darkness is far more prevalent in the human heart than he'd ever imagined, and that he himself must take a stand if he wants to stop it from spreading.
Given our current political climate in the United States of America, this is a great time to be handing out this book to middle schoolers and other readers, just as a reminder of how insidious xenophobia and the kind of seemingly small aggressions that lead to hideous atrocities can be. Hatred can look innocuous or even enticing, as it builds in-groups and communities that disconnected people often need, but the obligation to stamp out the political manifestation of hatred -- in this case fascism -- at the slightest flicker remains as urgent now as it did during Hitler's rise to power.
I'm handing this to my 13 year-old to read next, and I think he'll really appreciate it. He's a good kid and we've definitely talked about politics before, so I think Rise Of The Spider will reinforce a lot of what we've discussed. It's definitely a great book for anyone who wants to know more about why people of good common sense are so antifascist, and for anyone who needs to be disabused of the notion that "it can't happen here."
Rise Of The Spider by Michael P Spradlin will be published tomorrow September 24 2024 by Margaret K McElderry Books and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review was originally published at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
June 14, 2024
What worked:
This book is historical fiction focusing on a time period not often seen in books for young readers. Many middle-grade readers will know that Hitler took control of Germany and led them into World War ll. This story looks at his rise to power following Germany’s loss in The Great War, World War l. The author shares the feelings of many Germans who think the punishments leveled against the country are too harsh and their new leaders are too weak. Many younger people listen to Hitler’s criticism of their government and join his Hitler Youth, a part of the Nazi Party. This book describes the conflicted emotions of the citizens and the internal conflicts created by a country struggling to survive.
Rolf doesn’t understand the politics going on but he knows he gets a bad feeling when he’s around the two Nazi Youths his brother has connected with. He listens to Romer as he spouts Hitler’s propaganda and his father’s angry retorts about how the Nazis will lead the country to violence and another possible war. Rolf is trying to figure out the world as he sees Jewish people in his neighborhood being mistreated and bullied. Few citizens are willing to stand up and help as they either agree with the Nazis or are afraid of being attacked themselves. Rolf can’t comprehend the complexities of government and adult life but he’s fully aware of what’s right and wrong.
Rolf’s best friend is Ansel and this character adds tension and suspense to the story. Rolf wholly agrees that Ansel is annoying, rude, and outspoken and these are dangerous qualities while living among Hitler Youth. Ansel shows no fear or restraint when insulting these characters and he won’t back down when threatened. Readers will cringe during these moments because they won’t know how violently the Hitler Youth may react. Ansel’s father is a reporter so Ansel always sounds like he’s well-informed. His comments provide a stark contrast to the Nazi rhetoric. Young readers will be immersed in the turmoil within Germany as it marches to World War ll.
What didn’t work as well:
Some parts of the book come across as very informational. Ansel, Rolf’s father, and the Hitler Youth spout facts and news regarding the political atmosphere in Germany from this time in history. It can sometimes take over Rolf’s storyline although the book is, after all, historical fiction. The plot and politics are closely connected so it’s a balancing act.
The final verdict:
This book will appeal to readers with an interest in politics and history, especially Europe around 1930. Rolf is an engaging character as he sorts through the opposing viewpoints concerning the growth of Naziism. The book’s topics won’t appeal to everyone but I still recommend you give it a shot. It’s a lesson for democracies that say “It can’t happen here.”
This book is historical fiction focusing on a time period not often seen in books for young readers. Many middle-grade readers will know that Hitler took control of Germany and led them into World War ll. This story looks at his rise to power following Germany’s loss in The Great War, World War l. The author shares the feelings of many Germans who think the punishments leveled against the country are too harsh and their new leaders are too weak. Many younger people listen to Hitler’s criticism of their government and join his Hitler Youth, a part of the Nazi Party. This book describes the conflicted emotions of the citizens and the internal conflicts created by a country struggling to survive.
Rolf doesn’t understand the politics going on but he knows he gets a bad feeling when he’s around the two Nazi Youths his brother has connected with. He listens to Romer as he spouts Hitler’s propaganda and his father’s angry retorts about how the Nazis will lead the country to violence and another possible war. Rolf is trying to figure out the world as he sees Jewish people in his neighborhood being mistreated and bullied. Few citizens are willing to stand up and help as they either agree with the Nazis or are afraid of being attacked themselves. Rolf can’t comprehend the complexities of government and adult life but he’s fully aware of what’s right and wrong.
Rolf’s best friend is Ansel and this character adds tension and suspense to the story. Rolf wholly agrees that Ansel is annoying, rude, and outspoken and these are dangerous qualities while living among Hitler Youth. Ansel shows no fear or restraint when insulting these characters and he won’t back down when threatened. Readers will cringe during these moments because they won’t know how violently the Hitler Youth may react. Ansel’s father is a reporter so Ansel always sounds like he’s well-informed. His comments provide a stark contrast to the Nazi rhetoric. Young readers will be immersed in the turmoil within Germany as it marches to World War ll.
What didn’t work as well:
Some parts of the book come across as very informational. Ansel, Rolf’s father, and the Hitler Youth spout facts and news regarding the political atmosphere in Germany from this time in history. It can sometimes take over Rolf’s storyline although the book is, after all, historical fiction. The plot and politics are closely connected so it’s a balancing act.
The final verdict:
This book will appeal to readers with an interest in politics and history, especially Europe around 1930. Rolf is an engaging character as he sorts through the opposing viewpoints concerning the growth of Naziism. The book’s topics won’t appeal to everyone but I still recommend you give it a shot. It’s a lesson for democracies that say “It can’t happen here.”
July 12, 2025
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
My young library patrons absolutely devour anything that remotely resembles the I Survived series, so I'm always on the lookout for more historical fiction in that vein. The Web of the Spider series caught my attention as something slightly different but which might pose a more in-depth look at an important historical event.
Rise of the Spider takes a deep, thoughtful look at the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany, with an emphasis on cultural circumstances that will give middle grade readers a different perspective of how insidiously bad things can build in a society.
While I didn't love this book, and I don't think it holds the same interest as the I Survived series, I was very impressed with how thoughtfully Spradlin handles the subject matter. I think it provides a very thoughtful look at the circumstances surrounding early Nazi Germany. However, I think the great insight is buried in a slow, plodding plot that didn't hold my attention.
My Thoughts:
- Rather than taking a straight black-and-white approach, Spradlin provides a more holistic view of how the Nazis rose to power. I especially appreciated this approach, because it allows the readers to experience the build up along with the characters. Spradlin's approach shows not only what was happening culturally and economically in Germany at the time, but the ways in which people can be persuaded, especially with flattery, bribery, and/or threats. Compared to a lot of books on the subject, I really appreciated the well-rounded approach.
Sticking Points:
- The plot felt very slow and meandering, which is especially a problem when dealing with middle grade books. If the book wasn't so short and quick, I honestly probably would've set it aside. There was no point where I felt invested or pulled to continue reading. For the first half of the book, I was waiting and wondering when something eventful was going to happen. Aside from being slow, the plot sometimes took weird detours, where the main character would be thinking about his brother, then his late mother, then something that happened recently, then his brother again. It felt abrupt and awkward, though I'm not sure it would bother middle graders nearly as much as it did me.
My young library patrons absolutely devour anything that remotely resembles the I Survived series, so I'm always on the lookout for more historical fiction in that vein. The Web of the Spider series caught my attention as something slightly different but which might pose a more in-depth look at an important historical event.
Rise of the Spider takes a deep, thoughtful look at the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany, with an emphasis on cultural circumstances that will give middle grade readers a different perspective of how insidiously bad things can build in a society.
While I didn't love this book, and I don't think it holds the same interest as the I Survived series, I was very impressed with how thoughtfully Spradlin handles the subject matter. I think it provides a very thoughtful look at the circumstances surrounding early Nazi Germany. However, I think the great insight is buried in a slow, plodding plot that didn't hold my attention.
My Thoughts:
- Rather than taking a straight black-and-white approach, Spradlin provides a more holistic view of how the Nazis rose to power. I especially appreciated this approach, because it allows the readers to experience the build up along with the characters. Spradlin's approach shows not only what was happening culturally and economically in Germany at the time, but the ways in which people can be persuaded, especially with flattery, bribery, and/or threats. Compared to a lot of books on the subject, I really appreciated the well-rounded approach.
Sticking Points:
- The plot felt very slow and meandering, which is especially a problem when dealing with middle grade books. If the book wasn't so short and quick, I honestly probably would've set it aside. There was no point where I felt invested or pulled to continue reading. For the first half of the book, I was waiting and wondering when something eventful was going to happen. Aside from being slow, the plot sometimes took weird detours, where the main character would be thinking about his brother, then his late mother, then something that happened recently, then his brother again. It felt abrupt and awkward, though I'm not sure it would bother middle graders nearly as much as it did me.
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November 21, 2024Book two in The Web of the Spider Series by the Edgar Award-nominated author Micheal Spradlin is another look into divisiveness and how anger plays a role in real life. All from the perspective of a young boy in Germany. A quick read and one that provokes thought.
*Thank you to the publisher for sharing this title with me.
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*Thank you to the publisher for sharing this title with me.
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October 5, 2024Rolf never knew his mother. She died right after his birth. He lives with his father and his older brother Romer. The first World War is over, but now there are threats of more unrest. Rolf tries to stay out of the conflict, but when he sees his brother getting involved, it becomes harder by the day.
When representatives of the Hitler Youth arrive in Heroldsberg, Rolf and his friend Ansel are curious, but they watch from a distance. Rolf knows it would be dangerous to get too close. Unfortunately, his brother Romer claims he is ready for adventure, and he sees the group as a way to get away from the small town ways. Rolf watches as his father and brother argue about which path he should follow.
The membership of the Hitler Youth increases and what follows is violence toward innocent townspeople. Rolf is worried about his brother, his neighbors, and even his father whose business may be threatened.
Michael P. Spradlin has written numerous historical fiction novels for middle grade readers. His research and creative writing bring history alive for readers. RISE OF THE SPIDER is book #1 in a new series titled The Web of the Spider. I look forward to reading more.
When representatives of the Hitler Youth arrive in Heroldsberg, Rolf and his friend Ansel are curious, but they watch from a distance. Rolf knows it would be dangerous to get too close. Unfortunately, his brother Romer claims he is ready for adventure, and he sees the group as a way to get away from the small town ways. Rolf watches as his father and brother argue about which path he should follow.
The membership of the Hitler Youth increases and what follows is violence toward innocent townspeople. Rolf is worried about his brother, his neighbors, and even his father whose business may be threatened.
Michael P. Spradlin has written numerous historical fiction novels for middle grade readers. His research and creative writing bring history alive for readers. RISE OF THE SPIDER is book #1 in a new series titled The Web of the Spider. I look forward to reading more.
November 10, 2024
Attention is often given (as it should be) to the victims of the Holocaust. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905). How we got to the Holocaust, the circumstances involved, should be looked at too. The author describes the rise of the Brown Shirts and Hitler Youth. Young men in desperate circumstances in Germany who did not have a lot of prospects were looking for hope, for a future. Unfortunately they were influenced by Hitler and people who thought like him. Rolf is just living his life, and his older brother Romer is one of the young men who sees the Brown Shirts and starts listening to what they have to say. Romer is drawn in, and Rolf is horrified. Romer starts to participate in the activities of the Brown Shirts, and Rolf and his father try to stop him but are unsuccessful. The reader gains an understanding of what young people were dealing with during these horrible difficult times. There are 2 more books planned in this trilogy.
September 21, 2024
We hear it in the news and the blurb of this book shares, “ The parallels between 1929 Germany and America today are as prevalent as they are chilling.” Our family is blessed to live with a bonus family member who was alive during World War II and this sentiment is very real from her lived experience. Michael P. Sprawling writes a poignant piece of historical fiction that will speak to readers of all ages and set the framework to understand how such a dangerous man like Adolf Hitler rose to power. In a current world with such dangerous and virulent rhetoric, and fighting books bans and antisemitism, Rise of the Spider is a powerful and much needed book that should be on everyone’s list. While it is a short read, there is a lot to digest so it was the perfect length to really sink your teeth on to begin this series and I am looking forward to continuing this amazing journey through these compelling new books!
November 18, 2024
1929 Heroldsberg, Germany.
The German National Socialist Party (Nazi) and Adolf Hitler are flexing their muscles and influence. The Hitler Youth Movement is just starting to spread throughout Germany, especially Bavaria and Munich. It’s a tumultuous time for children, teens, and adults who are mired in the economic crises of a world-wide depression, and lots of politics in the aftermath of WWI.
Author Michael P. Spradlin provides a ‘birdseye view’ of Germany and the rise of the Nazis.
Readers should be prepared to read about bullying, peer-pressure, and violence as the spread of the movement begins to envelop Germany.
The reading level is perfect for 8-12 year olds and should be read with their parents and friends. An essential book to understand how children were affected and influenced in the lead-up to Fascism in Germany.
Thanks to the Bookloft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
The German National Socialist Party (Nazi) and Adolf Hitler are flexing their muscles and influence. The Hitler Youth Movement is just starting to spread throughout Germany, especially Bavaria and Munich. It’s a tumultuous time for children, teens, and adults who are mired in the economic crises of a world-wide depression, and lots of politics in the aftermath of WWI.
Author Michael P. Spradlin provides a ‘birdseye view’ of Germany and the rise of the Nazis.
Readers should be prepared to read about bullying, peer-pressure, and violence as the spread of the movement begins to envelop Germany.
The reading level is perfect for 8-12 year olds and should be read with their parents and friends. An essential book to understand how children were affected and influenced in the lead-up to Fascism in Germany.
Thanks to the Bookloft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
October 2, 2025
What I Did Like:
+Writing this for middle grades is truly brilliant. There are a lot of WWII books out there, but this one is obviously written for a younger audience and captures that voice authentically right from the start.
+The main character is a younger boy who has no opinions of his own on politics. This works for this story because it allows younger readers to relate to him and then draw opinions with him.
+Parallels to other events in history are not drawn, even in the author's note. Anything you may notice or feel from this one is entirely drawn yourself, which is powerful.
Who Should Read This One:
-History fans, specifically WWII fans. This one is written for a younger audience but it’s powerful and does create a voice for itself in the market.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Don’t skip the author’s note, it’s well done as well.
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2025/10/...
+Writing this for middle grades is truly brilliant. There are a lot of WWII books out there, but this one is obviously written for a younger audience and captures that voice authentically right from the start.
+The main character is a younger boy who has no opinions of his own on politics. This works for this story because it allows younger readers to relate to him and then draw opinions with him.
+Parallels to other events in history are not drawn, even in the author's note. Anything you may notice or feel from this one is entirely drawn yourself, which is powerful.
Who Should Read This One:
-History fans, specifically WWII fans. This one is written for a younger audience but it’s powerful and does create a voice for itself in the market.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Don’t skip the author’s note, it’s well done as well.
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2025/10/...
August 5, 2024
This book is unlike any book you’ve ever read about the events leading up to WWII. Rise of the Spider is the first in the 6-book series titled Web of the Spider. These books are quick, action-packed and will be published at a rapid rate (thank goodness, because I NEED the next one!). In it, we see the chilling rise of the Nazi Party through the eyes of twelve-year-old Rolf and his friends and family. What at first seems impossible in this lovely little town becomes a hard reality as hatred spreads and irrevocable actions are launched. And while we see these hardships and realities of the time, the book also centers of the threads of family, friendship and deciding the kind of person we want to be. It’s a different stance on this time period and one I think readers will become enmeshed with quite quickly. I couldn’t put it down.
September 30, 2024
Michael P. Spradlin's new series packs quite a punch. Set in the years prior to World War II just as the Nazis are coming to power in Germany, the series follows the experiences of a group of young people facing the challenges of the time. The opening title, Rise of the Spider, sees young Rolf dealing with the growing conflict between his father and brother. His brother's choice to join the Hitler Youth creates a great deal of tension in the household as does their family's failing business. Rolf must decide what path he is going to walk as he sees the way the Nazis treat people and his brother's growing involvement. At 123 pages, this book powerfully depicts the way the country fell into Hitler's growing web. Historical fiction books like this one remind readers of the tough choices that sometimes have to be made and the risks that still exist in the world. Recommended.
January 7, 2025
Juvenile Historical Fiction. 1929 Germany. Period between both World Wars when the Nazi Party began to increase power. Rolf, 11, lives with his father, and 15 year old brother Romer in the Bavarian town of Heroldsberg. His mother died in childbirth while ill with the Spanish flu and his oldest brother, Klaus, died in WW1. Roth enjoys time with his best friend Ansel, who is quite knowledgeable about current events, as his father is a journalist. Romer is a very moody teen and gets involved with the Nazi Youth. Times are hard in post war Germany. This was Book 1 and a quick read. I look forward to the next installment. The author provides historical info, Hitler’s timeline, and a glossary of terms. Very well done. I’d give it a 4.5. Recommend for Tweens, ages 10-12.
September 11, 2024
👦🏻reviews: Over the summer, our school has assigned us to read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne and this book reminds me of the similar storyline but with exceptional plot. This is part of a series and also it is easy to read. After finishing this book, I wanted the next book to come soon. I read this in one sitting and it is for younger middle schoolers who enjoy historical fiction. I highly recommend this one to anyone who wants to read these genres, historical fiction and mystery.
October 7, 2024
Because this book was touted as one that fans of Jennifer A. Nielsen would enjoy, I was eager to pick it up. The premise sounded intriguing, and I love reading historical middle grade books. That said, I was disappointed by Rise of the Spider. It took me a long time to get into and I think that younger readers will struggle with the long paragraphs and descriptions. For a book that should have felt full of action, it felt like it leaned too heavily on explanation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.
June 29, 2025
An enjoyable WWII narrative about the rise of Hitler in Germany before WWII begins. There’s a lot of historical info in her and sometimes the plot seemed to drag because of it but it is really important info to know. Looking at the world today and reading this book is giving me the distinct feeling that the world has lived through terrifying times like these before. This is an important read. With its action, character development and the short page count, kids will eat this up.
July 26, 2024
This book is the first in “The Web of the Spider”series and I cannot wait to read the next book. It is a fabulous book for students who like reading about WWII. It provides a clear picture of how Hitler was able to rise to power. I highly recommend reading this book and adding it to your collection. Bonus: It’s only 123 pages!
November 15, 2024
3.5 stars. A good historical recount of like in early Nazi party Germany. But I feel it is quite dense in jargon and factual political rhetoric for our middle grade readers to grasp and might be hard to have students read through to the end. I hope I’m wrong because it is an important history for our young readers to learn about.
September 30, 2024
I was gripped from page one. Spradlin has put us in the center of the confusing world of an eleven year old as he experiences the rise of Hitler in 1929 Germany. Emotions are raw as we encounter the horror from Rolf's point of view. A must read!
October 30, 2024
Cliffhanger?! I will easily find readers for students will enjoy learning about the rise of the Nazi Party since most WWII books take place in the middle of the war. Quick read and great author’s note.
November 19, 2024
a little too close to home
December 25, 2024
A middle grade fiction that brought a new perspective of WWII, from the view of a young teenage boy during the rise of Adolf Hitler following the Great War (WW1). This is first in a series.
July 14, 2025
Set in 1929 Heroldsberg Germany and narrated by eleven year old Rolf, Spradlin incorporates actual history.
A relevant story, given the current political situation in America
A relevant story, given the current political situation in America
September 24, 2024
Rise of the Spider (The Web of the Spider) by Michael P. Spradlin is about a young twelve-year-old boy, Rolf, who is witnessing the rise of Nazis in his hometown, Heroldsberg, Germany. In 1929, Rolf notices that his town and country haven’t been the same since the end of the Great War. Most townspeople struggle to find work and afford necessities such as food.
Germany was struggling because they had to pay fines for their part in the Great War. The country is struggling, and the atmosphere is charged with everyone feeling hopeless over their current situation. A new political movement is gaining traction with the people. Rolf is afraid of the new group because they seem shady and aggressive. Nightly, Rolf’s father and his older brother, Romer, fight about politics and the new group.
Recently, two members of the new Nazi Party, Hans and Nils, move into the town as part of the Hitler Youth. The pair promises that the Nazi Party will bring Germany to its former glory. Rolf is worried about Romer when he sees his brother spending more time with them. Rolf notices an undesirable change in his brother. Romer is staying out later and acts out with their father.
Rolf doesn’t trust Nils and Hans. He feels that they are bullies even though they are promising a better future for Germany. He has seen them bully old shop owners and physically assault people who get in their way. Even with the aggression and bullying, Romer sees more enamored with their ways
I thought the book was a good read. It was easy to sympathize with the different characters. The author did a good job fleshing out the characters and their feelings. I was able to feel immersed in the story. I liked that the author included a dictionary and guide for young readers. I found the book enjoyable, but it ends on a cliffhanger. I am excited to read more books in the series.
Germany was struggling because they had to pay fines for their part in the Great War. The country is struggling, and the atmosphere is charged with everyone feeling hopeless over their current situation. A new political movement is gaining traction with the people. Rolf is afraid of the new group because they seem shady and aggressive. Nightly, Rolf’s father and his older brother, Romer, fight about politics and the new group.
Recently, two members of the new Nazi Party, Hans and Nils, move into the town as part of the Hitler Youth. The pair promises that the Nazi Party will bring Germany to its former glory. Rolf is worried about Romer when he sees his brother spending more time with them. Rolf notices an undesirable change in his brother. Romer is staying out later and acts out with their father.
Rolf doesn’t trust Nils and Hans. He feels that they are bullies even though they are promising a better future for Germany. He has seen them bully old shop owners and physically assault people who get in their way. Even with the aggression and bullying, Romer sees more enamored with their ways
I thought the book was a good read. It was easy to sympathize with the different characters. The author did a good job fleshing out the characters and their feelings. I was able to feel immersed in the story. I liked that the author included a dictionary and guide for young readers. I found the book enjoyable, but it ends on a cliffhanger. I am excited to read more books in the series.
August 27, 2024
Wow. The ending was the perfect lead into the next book in the series. It left me with the feeling of a rubber band about to snap. Right on the brink of chaos. I really enjoyed the story. Even though it’s a work of fiction there’s plenty of material that isn’t fictional. When I was in school we were taught about the holocaust, but we weren’t really told much about Hitler before then. The Beer Hall Putsch was new information to me & I really loved that I learned something new while reading this.
June 27, 2025
The kids and I have had a lot of silent reading moments throughout the day this summer, and hearing about the stories they are reading had me craving a middle grade read myself!
This series starter, set in 1929 Germany, follows a brave and kind 12 year old named Rolf as he learns about and resists the Hitler Youth Movement. I wholeheartedly enjoyed the story and, by the end, was smitten with Rolf and his best friend!
I am very much looking forward to picking up book 2. A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
This series starter, set in 1929 Germany, follows a brave and kind 12 year old named Rolf as he learns about and resists the Hitler Youth Movement. I wholeheartedly enjoyed the story and, by the end, was smitten with Rolf and his best friend!
I am very much looking forward to picking up book 2. A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
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