The story of a first-generation-Canadian girl growing up in the shadows of the Second World War and navigating two cultures while struggling to find herself.

Eleven-year-old Waltraut wants to fit in at school, but it’s not easy. Not only does her name rhyme with the ethnic slur that is often hurled her way, but no one can relate to her immigrant family and their complicated past. On weekends, however, she attends German school with friends who are just like her. They share a language, food, and customs—and they understand what it’s like to live in two cultures.

As Waltraut navigates between her two worlds, she copes by reading and imagines how much easier her life would be if her name was Nancy, like the heroine of her favourite mystery series. So when her family moves to a new neighbourhood, Waltraut seizes the chance to reinvent herself. But she soon learns the price of pretending to be someone else. With support from an insightful teacher, a warm-hearted father, a tough-minded mother, and even her annoying younger brother, she embraces her true self, with all of its complexities and contradictions.

Gabriele Goldstone writes the books she wanted to read when she was growing up in the Winnipeg suburbs. As the daughter of immigrants, she couldn’t find her family stories in any books and instead escaped into the world of Nancy Drew. She holds a masters’ degree from the University of Manitoba, focusing on German literature, and a BA in English. She is a critically acclaimed author of books for children and young adults, including Crow Stone, Tainted Amber, and Broken Stone.

Gabriele Goldstone's profile page

“Gabriele Goldstone's highly readable novel takes place in post-World War Two Winnipeg. Her main character, Waltraut, is so interesting and young readers will identify with her struggle to find her place in this world.”
—Deborah Ellis, author of One More Mountain and The Breadwinner Trilogy

“This uplifting story will resonate with every reader who has been judged or bullied because of someone else's prejudice. I love all of Gabriele Goldstone's books, but Waltraut is my favourite.”
—Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, author of Making Bombs for Hitler

“An exuberant, unflinching, beautifully crafted novel about family, community, and the costly imprint of history. Readers will plunge in with irrepressible, imperfect, wise Wali, as she learns what it is to be human while growing into who she is. Wali asks, 'Can an immigrant girl become a hero in her own story?' Yes, she definitely can.”
—Sara Cassidy, award-winning author of Nevers

“Gabriele Goldstone brilliantly captures 11-year-old Waltraut’s voice and the complex balancing act that is her life. Straddling two cultures in the post-war era, Waltraut navigates school, friendships, and adult relationships, seeking acceptance while trying to establish her identity and pinpoint her own beliefs. Her journey is compelling, heartwarming and thought-provoking. A highly recommended, five-star read.”
—Larry Verstraete, award-winning author of Coop the Great and Coop for Keeps

“Waltraut knows how important small things are for overcoming big problems. Poverty and prejudice don’t stand a chance against family, friends, and Nancy Drew. The narrowness of the 1960s comes across clearly in this close-focus character study.”
—Richard Scrimger, author of Your Story Matters

“A powerful story written with honesty and compassion. Immigrant and refugee children will be able to identify and be inspired by Waltraut’s challenges during her quest to fit in and to find out who she really is. An important story for anyone interested in learning about families new to Canada.”
—Martha Attema, author of When the Dikes Breached

“Gabriele Goldstone’s signature writing style, rich with sensory and historical detail, is at its best in this achingly honest portrayal of a young girl’s life in 1960s Winnipeg. It will resonate deeply with adults who lived through the decade and thoughtfully engage young readers eager to learn more about the past.”
—MaryLou Driedger, bestselling author of Lost on the Prairie and Sixties Girl

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