German Soldier Missing From Minnesota Prisoner of War Camp in “Red Rover,” sequel to “Kaiser Brightman 082314,” winner of the 2012 Readers Favorite Book Award For Best Action Fiction.
It’s the summer of 1945 in New Bonn, Minnesota. Thirteen-year-olds Frank Warner, Jack Steiner, and Skeeter Stark are hanging out along the river across from an abandoned German prisoner of war camp on Muskrat Island. One PW is rumored missing at final muster. The boys spot something red moving on the island, think it’s the missing PW, and raft over. While they search, their raft is set adrift and they find a warning note signed, “Red Rover.” A series of harassments follow, but Red Rover eludes them. Frank’s and Jack’s dads have fought the enemy through Italy, France, and Germany, and now after V-E Day are stationed with the Seventh Army in Austria. They expect to participate in the upcoming invasion of Japan. Skeeter receives a posthumous letter from his war-hero brother, Buck, which directs him to a treasure map he found before going overseas. The letter was passed on to Skeeter by Buck’s Army Ranger buddy, Wayne Hill, who helps the boys unscramble the bizarre map. After several near-misses, the boys confront Red Rover, whose identity and background are more bizarre than the map. Risking their lives, they solve the secret of the map, and discover that the word treasure has more meanings than they imagined. World War II ends as Japan surrenders. Frank’s and Jack’s dads come home for discharge from the Army. Life in New Bonn returns to normal. Or does it?
Reviews for “Kaiser Brightman 082314” Prequel to “Red Rover”
“A coming of age book, three boys maturing over the summer, working together to solve a mystery.” 5 Stars.
—Anne B. for Readers Favorite.
“Another wonderful novel by Michael Springer, taking one back to a well-remembered childhood.” 5 Stars.
—Mary James.
“As a member of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ I took a step down memory lane. Five stars on all counts from an old Dogface Soldier proud to have served.”
“A solid, dynamic and highly readable YA novel.”
—Paul Bagdon, Writer’s Digest School.
Michael Springer is a Minnesota native, graduate of Minnesota State University, former U.S. Navy line officer, and free-lance writer. He lives in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 
