Herschel: The Boy Who Started World War II
It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.
5
Catalog books
3
Works
1997 to 2022
Strongest span
Andy Marino writes detailed, narrative-driven histories that center on individuals caught in crises. His books — from a biographical look at Varian Fry to a portrait of Herschel Grynszpan — focus on moral choices, clandestine efforts, and the human consequences of political upheaval.
Marino also turns his attention to modern catastrophes, as in his account of Chernobyl, blending eyewitness testimony with investigative reporting. Across these works he seeks to illuminate moments when single actions ripple into larger historical events, emphasizing personal stories within vast emergencies.
Herschel: The Boy Who Started World War II
Farrar Straus & Giroux • 1997 • standard commitment
It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.
Best known for: Narrative nonfiction about historical crises • WWII-era rescue and exile stories • Firsthand accounts and investigative reporting
Genres and themes: History • War and rescue operations • Survival and exile • Investigative narrative
Who this author is best for: Readers who like meticulously reported, human-centered histories about wartime rescue and survival will appreciate Marino's clear, story-driven approach.
Start with the book whose era or event interests you most—titles here are standalone and focus on single episodes you can read independently.
Herschel: The Boy Who Started World War II
Farrar Straus & Giroux • 1997 • standard commitment
UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1997 • 226 pages.
A Quiet American: The Secret War of Varian Fry
St Martins Pr • 1999 • longer commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1999 • 403 pages.
Scholastic • 2022 • commitment varies by edition
UPB note: year signal: 2022.
The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess
Redhook • 2021 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 2021 • 304 pages.
American Pimpernel Story of Varian Fry
Hutchinson • 1999 • longer commitment
readers who are comfortable with a bigger first commitment