By Coral Gables Gazette staff
In an era when book bans are rising and historical literacy is eroding, Alan Gratz is betting on young readers to hold the line. On Wednesday, October 8, the New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Ground Zero will appear in Coral Gables for a live event centered on his latest novel, War Games—a literary thriller set during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The appearance, hosted by Books & Books in partnership with the Coral Gables Congregational Church, reflects the city’s ongoing role as a cultural and civic hub where storytelling meets conscience.
Gratz’s visit underscores more than just the launch of another book. It invites a deeper look at how fiction can frame real-world stakes for a new generation—and how a story about an Olympic gymnast’s brush with Nazi terror can echo with meaning nearly a century later.
An Olympic dream—and a dangerous truth
War Games introduces Evie Harris, a teenage American gymnast competing in Berlin alongside Jesse Owens and other athletic heroes. At first, her focus is gold. But as swastika banners wave and Hitler surveys the games, Evie uncovers a covert operation that could upend her family, her country, and the fragile peace of pre-war Europe.
The novel threads its tension through real history—the Nazi regime’s manipulation of the Olympics as global theater, the chilling suppression behind the spectacle, and the coming storm of World War II. When Evie becomes entangled in a plot to smuggle Nazi gold, her choices blur the line between youthful ambition and moral resistance.
While intended for middle-grade readers, Gratz’s hallmark is cross-generational impact. His works are devoured in classrooms and living rooms alike, precisely because they deliver tightly wound drama anchored in ethical clarity. War Games is no exception.
“With lives on the line and her family’s future at stake, Evie has to choose between following her Olympic dreams and standing up to evil… before it’s too late,” the publisher notes.
Gratz never oversimplifies. Instead, he builds empathy by inviting readers to live history—not just memorize it.
A writer at the peak of his craft
Few authors have reshaped the youth historical fiction landscape like Alan Gratz. With more than a dozen acclaimed titles—including Allies, Grenade, Projekt 1065, and Two Degrees—he has become a go-to name for parents, teachers, and librarians seeking books that challenge without condescending.
His breakout hit, Refugee, about three children fleeing oppression in different eras and countries, spent over three years on the New York Times bestseller list. Since then, he has carved out a singular space: part historian, part thriller writer, and full-time advocate for teaching the past through story.
War Games continues that tradition but tightens the lens. It’s about gymnastics and espionage, yes—but more deeply about moral gymnastics: how young people weigh right and wrong when no adult can guarantee safety. That relevance gives the novel particular force in 2025, when democratic institutions face fresh scrutiny and global tensions continue to rise.
Intimate venue, larger conversation
The event takes place at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, just across from the Biltmore Hotel. Known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture and excellent acoustics, the church frequently hosts offsite literary events through its long-standing partnership with Books & Books.
This setting offers a fitting backdrop for a story about conscience. The contrast—between the Olympic stadiums of 1930s Berlin and a community sanctuary in 2020s Coral Gables—makes the evening feel like more than a book launch. It’s a gathering for those who still believe stories can shape civic values.
Tickets include admission for one person and a hardcover copy of War Games. No refunds will be issued. Seating is limited.
Gratz is expected to speak, read, and sign books—and, if past appearances are any guide, leave readers of all ages thinking a little differently about both history and themselves.
If you go…
“War Games: An Evening with Alan Gratz”
📅 Wednesday, October 8
🕖 7–8:30 p.m.
📍 Coral Gables Congregational Church
3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134
🎟️ $18.99 (includes book + 1 admission)
🔗 Books & Books Event Page (placeholder)
About the author
Alan Gratz is the New York Times bestselling author of Refugee, Ground Zero, Allies, and other internationally acclaimed novels for young readers. His books are published in over 20 languages and frequently appear on state reading lists and school curricula. He lives with his family in the Pacific Northwest and travels widely to speak about the power of historical fiction.
