Initially stuck in New York when World War I broke out, Marta (white) and her father are returning to Germany on the Lusitania; their false documents allow them to board as Americans rather than exiled Germans. When Marta’s father’s identity is discovered moments before the ship is torpedoed, he’s suspected of facilitating the attack. Now recognized as a German, Marta fails to clear her father’s name fail. Stranded alone in York, England, the 11-year-old feigns a Dutch background and is befriended by Clare, a poor Irish girl whose family takes her in. Marta begins to feel tormented by her secret-keeping and growing attachment to the “political enemies” who show her nothing but kindness. Her childlike rationale is believable and nuanced as she slowly accepts that the actions of a country’s government (including her beloved homeland) do not equate with an individual’s humanity. Unsure how to find a way to back to her mother in Germany, Marta works at a chocolate factory with Clare and saves her money in the meantime. When someone at the factory exposes Marta’s lies, the heartbreak and drama are swift and intense. A daring escape is aided by characters who see Marta for the person she really is: a true friend and loving daughter.

In the spirit of Lauren Wolk and Ruta Sepetys comes the tale of a girl fighting her way back home after surviving the sinking of the Lusitania—and learning to think for herself rather than accept the prejudice of wartime.

The year is 1915 and the world is at war. Marta and her father are passengers on the Lusitania, desperately trying to get back home to Germany. While aboard, they must keep their identities hidden or risk being mistaken for enemy spies. Then the Lusitania is attacked by a German submarine. They just make it off the sinking ship, but her father is discovered and detained. Marta suddenly finds herself alone in enemy land.

To survive, Marta must draw upon a deep well of bravery she never knew she had. Fortunately, she meets Clare, a young Irish girl who can talk a mile a minute, and her kind family. Believing that Marta is a Dutch refugee, they welcome her into their home. She can't risk letting her new friends know she's actually from Germany—the very nation that the Irish and English are fighting against. But could these people who have shown her nothing but kindness truly be her enemy?

Sweeping from the Irish Sea to a cathedral city in England, this story shows us that friendship, especially in times of war, may be the greatest gift of all.