Half-Blood Blues

This award-winning novel opens in 1939 Berlin and Paris before and during the Nazi occupation. It is the story of jazz musicians Hiero, Sid, and Chip who struggle with racial hatred and violence under the Nazi regime. When Hiero is arrested and sent to a concentration camp, the band falls apart. In 1992 Sid and Chip return to Berlin for a documentary about Hiero and Sid is confronted with dark truths, and a chance at redemption. This rich and engaging story of love, loyalty, race, war, and betrayal offers opportunities for discussion of WWII, power constructs, racial identity, and gender roles. Suitable for grades 11-12.