This novel was SO interesting! Being able to read from the point of view of someone on the other side of the Berlin Wall in the 80's was just insane. I'm really into history, so historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I've never read a story set in this time. I really loved the religious diversity, and diversity in general, in this book. It will really speak to teens who are lesbian and Jewish. The characters were relatable and fun. The magic aspect of the book, though kind of confusing for me at first, was a fun twist on such an awful topic at hand with the Holocaust and dictatorship.

It was a good book. I liked the fantastical elements. I feel the history could have been researched better, but I'm someone with a background in this area and have been to some of these locations. So, I'm very particular.

There are so many wonderful things about this book. Overall, the story of survival and the dedication of those willing to help people trapped in dangerous and oppressive conditions is heartwarming. The story flows like a balloon floating in the sky. The plot was clear and well written and pulled us along as we fought along with the characters to get Ellie Baum, one of three main characters, home. We are quickly introduced to the six main and secondary characters whose relationships with each other are subtle yet complex. They are well developed with strengths, weaknesses, and strong motivations.

In my travels, I spent some time in Berlin, after the wall fell, and even then was astonished at the stark contrast between the east and west. Locke describes the dismal and depressing East Berlin with such clarity, as I read, the images in my mind were gray. 

Yet there were the red balloons. The balloons and the magic written on them floated in and out of the past joining the stories. They brought color and hope for the characters to the very last sentence.

This book was better than okay, but not the best. The plot was highkey confusing for most of the book. I probably would have not read this as quickly if I didn't need to review it tbh. The worldbuilding was quality and I love the combo of magic and math. The side characters honestly felt underdeveloped and I think I didn't understand the book that well because I mixed them up a lot. The pacing was okay, but the ending was really confusing and felt empty and rushed.

What if there were a group of magicians responsible for getting people out of war zones and oppression to safety? This idea is central to Locke’s premise, and delivers well in the two plot lines she puts forth in this book (one during WWII and one in 1988 Berlin).

When a balloon designed by the magician balloonmakers (the Schöpfers) goes awry, main character Ellie travels from the current day, on accident, to 1988 Berlin, where she learns more about her grandfather’s Holocaust past and her own abilities. She’s rescued by Kai, the Romani love interest and an assistant to the Schopfers, and Mitzi, the headstrong German friend. The chemistry between these three characters make every scene of this book sparkle.

Some of the strongest elements of this book are its musings on identity and the past. In this time of social upheaval in the real world, it’s satisfying to see Ellie come to grips with her identity a 21st century teen in a 20th century world. Locke doesn’t shy away from nuances of religious and sexual identity throughout, much to the benefit of the characters. By the end of the book, I really “knew” Ellie.

While some of the finer plot points later on seemed a little rushed to me (or perhaps I was in such a hurry to find out the exciting conclusion), I loved the premise and its delivery. Here’s hoping for more books in this universe!

Look out for this book in September. It will not appear on a red balloon (probably), but you’ll still want a way to make sure it’s in your hands.

Realistic likeable characters in an enthralling historical tale..

I loved this book. Everything about it was so so good, and it was really enjoyable, even if I did take longer to finish it than I might have (reading slumps come at the worst time).

The Girl with the Red Balloon tells the story of Ellie Baum, who is accidentally transported back in time to 1988 East Germany when she takes hold of a red balloon. She finds out there is a group of people who work to help those stuck in East Germany escape to West Germany, using such balloons, but the one that transported Ellie back didn't work as it was supposed to.

The premise of this story is so original and it's written so well too. I loved all of the characters, especially Mitzi, Kai, and Ellie, and I'm sad this is just a standalone book. I can totally understand why it would be but that doesn't stop me wishing there was more from these characters.

If anything, there was just a bit too little action for me, but then again I need action almost every page because I'm so impatient and get bored so easily. It helped that the chapters alternated between different characters' points of view, though.

The ending was perhaps a little abrupt - they seem to be slowly working their way to a conclusion, and then all of a sudden everything's happening, and just as suddenly it's done. But that besides, I didn't have a problem with the pacing of the book.

This book is wonderful - very fresh and unique. Historical in a time period and setting rarely explored in YA books. Very unique magic system. Lots of diversity that felt authentic and well-researched (though I am not one of the marginalized groups represented so can't say for sure). This was a beautifully written, carefully crafted story.

If you gave a girl a magic balloon, she’ll become something else.

OKAY. Can I just say that if this isn’t the best book I’ve read all year (I don’t think I can take that position away from ACOL) then it’s the one that’s left the biggest impact on me. And it still takes the cake as second best book. I requested this after having read ONE great review but still wasn’t fully prepared for what I was getting myself into. This book is a prime example of historical fiction and time travel done right—EVERYTHING about this book is done right. And as a person who love time travel that should really mean something. 

Ellie is a modern day student who is in Germany on a study abroad trip. Her grandfather, who was actually a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, used to tell her these stories about magic red balloons and how one actually saved his life while he was being transferred from a Polish ghetto to an internment camp. Oh a whim, she goes to grab it and ends up in East Germany in 1988.

The city hummed with a frenetic sort of energy, the kind that came when people say the light at the end of the tunnel and realized it wasn’t the oncoming train. It was hope. The world was changing. We were along for the ride.

Now, I was born in 1991 and I’m going to tell you straight up that it was unbelievable for me to read about this place, one continent over, that had people living in that much fear only three years before I was born. I know that people in different places around the world are STILL living in that kind of fear but…this book in particular made me feel so sheltered. In all of my twenty five, almost twenty six years I have NEVER known that kind of fear. And it just kills to know that I have it so easy when so many others don’t. I think that this book is a good reminder of that. What’s out there even still today.

But I digress. Let’s get to the other parts of this book that had me laughing, SOBBING, and everything in between. Well let’s see. First of all, ALL of the characters were amazing. Ellie, the main character is probably one of my favorite female protagonists of ALL TIME. Other than the small breakdown she has after being transported back in time (and I mean who WOULDN’T freak out about leaving YOUR time and friends and family) she is calm, cool, collected, sassy. UGH I fucking love her. Kai and Mitzy are just as amazing. Oh—and by the way, this book is DIVERSE. Ellie is Jewish, Kai is Romani, and Mitzy is gay. And that’s just who they are and we get to see how being those people in that time period affects their lives in a place that is so unforgiving. 

For those of you who love romance, the stuff we get in here is SO BELIEVABLE AND WILL GIVE YOU BUTTERFLIES AND SO MUCH MOREEEEEE. I just want to cry thinking about it. I don’t want to say any more honestly, you’ll just have to read it and find out yourself. Not sure what direction book two will go in or who will be in it but I am already dying to get my hands on it (which is super depressing seeing as this one doesn’t even come out until September).

If you give a girl a red balloon, she’ll believe in magic and memory. If you give a girl a red balloon, she’ll never want to let go.

Overall, this book just goes to show that one person, magic or no, has the ability to change the course of history with even just one decision—exactly the kind of book that we want to be reading in this day and age.

A HUGEEEEE thank you to Albert Whitman Company, NetGalley, and Katherine Locke for allowing me to read this eArc. It will stick with me FOREVER and I know I will be recommending the shit out of this book for years to come.

The concept and the premise are amazing. This story is set in 1988 East Berlin for the most part. I loved the idea of sending people across the wall using magical red balloons created by using mathematical equations. Genius! However, I don't think it was successfully executed. I wanted to know more of East Germany, and it is hardly mentioned. I thought it was a historical piece, but in reality, it was more like a superficial love story with magical elements. I wanted politics, revolutions, resistance, but there was none of that. 

I guess the main issue I had, was the characters. I couldn't connect with them. Ellie was not very likable, she cried and whine for the most part, and always had poison in her hands (not really, but close). What is that about? Moreover, Kai and Ellie's love story happened out of nowhere. I mean, it was expected, but nevertheless, a little build-up would have been appreciated. Also, Ellie and Mitzi's friendship felt too forced. Yes, let's paint our nails and giggle like all teenagers do. Not too realistic. 

Anyhow, I don't regret reading this book. I guess I feel it could have been better. The last 15% of the book were great! Action packed and honest. I might pick up the next book just because of that beautiful ending. Hence, the three stars.

So, I'm not the biggest fan of historical fiction, but the premise sounded interesting so I gave it a try. I really enjoyed this! There's some intrigue with the time travel plot line and enough romance to keep me giddy. I'm glad I took a chance with this one.

Ah-Mazing!!! This is going to easily be one of my favorite book of 2017! Everything was perfect in this book. I could not put it down and read in two days despite being super busy. I am so impressed with the writing. It was told from the viewpoint of three main characters and the transition between them was flawless. 

A 16 year old girl, Ellie, knew her grandfather survived the Holocaust and mentioned it was all because of a girl giving him a red balloon but Ellie thought he was crazy. It turns out there is more to that story and her grandfather wasn't just trying to entertain her. While in Germany on a school trip, a red balloon suddenly appears. Ellie touches the balloon and is pulled back in time to 1988 East Berlin Germany, with the Wall still standing. She has to figure out how this happened and how to get back. There are many twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages. 

I was hooked from the very beginning and never felt that the book had a lull. It is an encouraging story about fighting for what is right. Its about family and loving them despite the cost. There is a love interest but it doesn't overpower the story. This was the first book in a long time that I read where the characters aren't blinded stupid by their emotions. It feels real. The author's notes mention that most of this did happen in real life but not with magic and red balloons. 

My favorite quote from the book: "The people never mentioned in the history books still made history." There is so much that is still unknown about what happened during the holocaust and there are so many that are not in the history books. I am thrilled to find out that this is going to be a series and can't wait to see what happens next.

Wow. When I first started reading this book I was a little apprehensive. It was slightly out of my comfort zone, but I was ready to give it a go. I really was not disappointed. What the book gave me was far more than I expected. I loved the characters, they were well described and were easy to imagine. The plot was something original, something new, and one that had me a little stunned at the end. I did not see that coming. It's been a while since I book has surprised me and that is a very good thing. 
I adored this book, and I am already recommending it to friends. It has magic, history, and adventure. A perfect combination.

"The Girl with the Red Balloon" is a beautifully written historical fiction fantasy book with a side of sci-fi.  I usually don't venture into fantasy or magic but the setting of 1988 East Berlin sparked my interest in this book.  I received an ARC from Netgalley and I'm glad I didn't let it sit in my device too long.  Although I felt like the storyline dragged a bit towards the middle, there was still enough magic in the writing to have me finish in two days.  I'm already looking forward to the sequel and I'm not usually into book series.

There are three points-of-view: Ellie's when she briefly travels to Germany in present time then travels back to 1988 where the rest of her story is told, Kai's who is a Runner, someone who helps people get over the wall, and Benno's back in the 1940's in a Polish ghetto. This is such an interesting concept - using balloons to send people over the Berlin Wall. But there was something about this book that didn't quite make it as enjoyable as I'd hoped. I liked the characters, but I felt as though, except for Benno, we only scratched the surface of who they really were. The writing itself was just okay - sometimes the characters were overly dramatic. I think this book may appeal more to younger readers.

No one can love time travel fiction more than this librarian, and The Girl With the Red Balloon has a fresh and interesting premise. This novel alternates primarily between two time periods in Germany, 1988 and 1941. Ellie, a present day teen and granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor is transported to 1988 Berlin by a red balloon where she meets people who use the balloons to magic others over the wall to Western Germany. The Berlin Wall segment at times falls prey to the curse of the time travel theme: confusion, but the novel is redeemed by Benno's chapters. I found myself skimming Ellie and Kai's stories to get to Benno in 1941. Benno had my heart-racing as his story barrels toward a seemingly inescapable ending.

I would classify this novel as historical magic-realism. The fantasy in the Berlin chapters is a bit heavy-handed, but just a tinge of well-placed magic slices through the tragedy of Benno's plight.  

 The author does a great job of tying all the chapters together. The plot is brilliantly conceived. The reader will find surprises and twists, good and bad among a heaping handfuls of cliches and predictable  teenage romance.  One thing is clear though, Kelly Locke has skill, and a bright future in kid lit.

Interesting book.  
Honestly, I was disappointed when I thought it was another holocaust book.   However, it wasn't.  It was about Germany in 1988.  


Interesting. Thanks for letting me read this  net galley.

From the moment I started this I was hooked! Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an E-ARC! The is the story of Ellie Baum who travels back to 1988 East Germany via magic red balloon. I thought the characters were interesting, well-developed and pretty diverse, with Ellie being Jewish and Mitzi being lesbian. Benno's story confused me at first but then it made sense  when you find out who he is.

Read this book, you're probably gonna cry, but it's worth it.

This one hit me so hard. What an emotional, utterly compelling book. Katherine Locke is an absolutely brilliant writer and a plot weaver like none other. Time travel stories always kind of leave me scratching my head, but not here. It's expertly crafted; I never felt disoriented. I'm still shook by all the threads (forwards, backwards, and sideways) in the timeline and the characters' relationships. This is the sort of book that makes you immediately flip back to the first chapter after you've finished the past page, hunting for Easter Eggs (I think I found one!). Not to mention the heart-wrenching themes of loss and grief from the Holocaust survival story woven throughout. 

THE GIRL WITH THE RED BALLOON deserves all the awards this year. It's that good.