VOYA - December 1, 2007
"This bold, painful book focuses on controversial issues and darker Pearl Harbor era facts and emphasizes complicated gray areas over simpler black/white scenarios, creating balance and insight for any level reader."
Kid Lit - August 1, 2007
"Part an adventure story, part a story of descent into obsession [it] is also very much a simplified but sophisticated debate on religion and ethics...The Whirlwind attempts a lot and accomplishes a lot."
KLIATT - July 1, 2007
"A poignant look at what it means to come of age in a world of uncertainty...An excellent choice for teachers...the kind of book adults and adolescents alike will be glad to have read."
Atlanta Jewish Times - July 1, 2007
"Teaches an underlying message of tolerance and acceptance through a friendship rare for its time...A well-written, easy read for any level."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books - July 1, 2007
"A quiet examination of one boy's struggle to understand the terrible circumstances that have fallen on his family."
AJL Newsletter - July 1, 2007
"Written in an engaging style...the novel introduces well-developed characters faced with compelling issues."
Jewish Book World - June 1, 2007
"Another winner from the talented Matas."
School Library Journal - April 1, 2007
"This unique and thought-provoking story shows what prejudice and indifference to suffering and wrongdoing can lead to."
Resource Links - April 1, 2007
"Matas does a good job of compressing a complex story into not very many pages...Every library that caters to junior high readers show know about this book."
The Globe and Mail - March 31, 2007
"An issues novel as well as an historical one and the issues aren't easy...A timely look at the treatment of foreign nationals...Aims to be easily accessible."
Booklist - March 1, 2007
"Confronts a shameful part of World War II history—American's prejudice against German Jewish refugees. ...Effectively moves from fury and blame to understanding and love."
CM Magazine - February 1, 2007
"An excellent example of Holocaust literature for young adults...Whether read as an action/adventure novel or as a gateway to learning about a boy's first-hand experiences in World War II. Highly Recommended."