WOLF BY WOLF, by Ryan Graudin

The story: After Hitler and the Germans win World War 2, the resistance goes deeper underground. Ten years later, one of Himmler's successful (but forgotten) science experiments--a shapeshifter--sets out to gain revenge by winning a race and assassinating der Fuhrer. Does Yael have what it takes to beat 19 hardened racers and come out in front?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG-13 (swearing in German); Violence R; Sexual content PG; Nudity PG; Substance abuse PG-13; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBT content G; adult themes (genocide, evil science experiments, political assassination, murder) R; overall rating R (all right for really good 8th grade readers; otherwise best for 9th-up).

Liz's comments: This one had a fascinating concept--what if the Nazis had won the war? The action takes place in 1956, with Yael, a survivor of an evil experiment in a death camp, biding her time until it's right to make her move against Hitler to find revenge for all the people in her life who died because of him. A major twist at the end means you'll have to buy the sequel, "Blood for Blood" to see how the story really ends.