The Faithful Spy
The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix
Reviewed by Jose Garcia, Biography by Heather Gammon, Instructional Activity by Jaymee Fuller, Links by Jennifer LaBare
John Hendrix’s The
Faithful Spy is an excellent young adult, historical graphic novel which
focuses on the life and death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his plan of
assassinating Hitler during the height of WWII. The novel clearly illustrates
two intertwining stories including the political rise of the Nazi party in
Germany and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s plot to kill Hitler. First and foremost, the
story is a historical piece that delivers the hardened truth between the
atrocities of the Nazi party through the eyes of Bonhoeffer. Being a nonfiction
story, it provides detailed and accurate information that shows readers true
moments in history that are suspenseful and may not be known. For story telling
purposes however, numerous quotes from Bonhoeffer are exaggerated, but are
marked with an asterisk as to not confuse readers between fact and fiction. As
the story follows a chronological order, it provides timestamps making it easy
for readers to follow exact dates within the story and history.
The graphic novel
aspect of The Faithful Spy provides
exaggerated drawn artwork that illuminates the text while providing an in-depth
analysis into the story of Bonhoeffer. The artwork seen in the story provides
symbolic motifs that helps readers interpret the events of the story. For
example, the symbol of wolves is prevalent in the novel since it represents the
Nazi’s reign in political power as well as Hitler himself. All drawings are
color coded respectively in two different colors with red being used for Nazi
imagery and blue for the German resistance. This helps in showing the ideals
that both sides had since there is a contrast. Each image is visually pleasing,
providing a perspective into the horrors of Nazi Germany and the German
resistance. The artwork itself tells the complete story by drawing upon what is
stated in the text and further expanding the narrative.
Meanwhile, the text includes accurate information, dates,
and stories coinciding with the main plot of the story. The story itself is
insightful and easy to understand as literature and a historical text because
it offers the complete story of the Nazi regime while never sidetracking
Bonhoeffer’s plot to kill Hitler. The historical information found in the story
is demonstrated through the actions of the characters as the plot moves on and
through case files included throughout the novel which highlights and describes
key moments and dates, definitions of important events and operations, and
letters that give extra insight into what happened behind the scenes. As a
whole, The Faithful Spy takes an
informational event lacking in storytelling and turns it into a memorable tale
filled with suspense and emotion allowing readers to follow along the life of
Bonhoeffer and his plan to assassinate Hitler.
Hendrix’s education reflects that, demonstrating a focus on creating art in different forms. Hendrix has two undergraduate degrees in both Design and Illustration from the University of Kansas. He also graduated in 2003 with a MFA in “Illustration as Visual Essay” program from The School of Visual Arts in New York City.
His professional work experience, too, indicates that Hendrix is driven by a desire to create and to inspire others to create as well. An associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Hendrix teaches illustration. There, he is also in the process of launching a new MFA in Illustration and Visual Culture.
Illustration is his specialty and Hendrix’s primary creative outlet is drawing. He so highly favors this medium over all others that he considers himself a “drawer.” In fact, he keeps a sketchbook and draws in it daily, recommending any budding creator to do the same. From these sketches, he is able to draw inspiration for his graphic novels.
Additionally, Hendrix is decorated with numerous artistic awards that laud him for his talent and contributions in the field of illustration. He has received Silver Medals from Society of Illustrators in 2006, 2008, and 2015. And in 2018, The Faithful Spy earned him a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators, the highest level of awards.
Hendrix imparts this advice to future artists: “We must remember, as illustrators, that our primary goal is not expression, but communication.” In making art, then, Hendrix has found his way of communicating with the world and creating intriguing narratives.
The Bonhoeffer Center
This is a great link that offers detailed information and collections on Bonhoeffer’s life. This is where there are links to his research library, the house he grew up and much, much more.
PBS
Summary of Bonhoeffer's life and times from education to execution, created by Public Broadcasting Service.
Prison Time
This link details the time Bonhoeffer spent in prison and the days leading to his death.
Maria von Wedemeyer
Information on Maria von Wedemeyer, the fiancé of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. there are additional links on this page that include video information on the affiliations Bonhoeffer had in the spy circle.
Church Involvement
This is a very detailed version of Bonhoeffner's affiliations to the church and education.also includes is information where he is was educated and received his religious training.
Map of Hitlers Conquests
This link has 42 maps that explain WWII and Hitler’s conquest areas. These maps include areas of enemy attacks, areas of other countries attack route and escape routes.
Bonhoeffer's Religion
The following link gives a brief biography and the religious portions of his life. It includes a timeline of activities that he was involved with throughout his life.
Video of Berlin Hosting Olympic
This is a short 2 minute video produced by Time Magazine revealing the time Hitler hosted the Olympic games in Berlin to show the world how superior Germany was to the rest of the world.
Link to some escape routes out of occupied Europe led to belligerent states (such as the Soviet Union), neutral states (such as Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey), and even to states allied with Germany (such as Italy and Hungary before they were occupied by Germany). After the German attack on the Soviet Union, more than a million Soviet Jews escaped eastward, fleeing the advancing German army. Thousands more Jews managed to leave Black Sea ports in Bulgaria and Romania, seeking to reach safety in Palestine.
Wise Theological Quotes By Bonhoeffer
This link contains theological and thoughtful quotes from Bonhoeffer.
Instructional Activity:
C.C. Standard: 9-10. Writing Standards: Text Types and Purposes:
Instructional Plan:
Reviewed by Jose Garcia, Biography by Heather Gammon, Instructional Activity by Jaymee Fuller, Links by Jennifer LaBare
Review:
John Hendrix’s The
Faithful Spy is an excellent young adult, historical graphic novel which
focuses on the life and death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his plan of
assassinating Hitler during the height of WWII. The novel clearly illustrates
two intertwining stories including the political rise of the Nazi party in
Germany and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s plot to kill Hitler. First and foremost, the
story is a historical piece that delivers the hardened truth between the
atrocities of the Nazi party through the eyes of Bonhoeffer. Being a nonfiction
story, it provides detailed and accurate information that shows readers true
moments in history that are suspenseful and may not be known. For story telling
purposes however, numerous quotes from Bonhoeffer are exaggerated, but are
marked with an asterisk as to not confuse readers between fact and fiction. As
the story follows a chronological order, it provides timestamps making it easy
for readers to follow exact dates within the story and history.
The graphic novel
aspect of The Faithful Spy provides
exaggerated drawn artwork that illuminates the text while providing an in-depth
analysis into the story of Bonhoeffer. The artwork seen in the story provides
symbolic motifs that helps readers interpret the events of the story. For
example, the symbol of wolves is prevalent in the novel since it represents the
Nazi’s reign in political power as well as Hitler himself. All drawings are
color coded respectively in two different colors with red being used for Nazi
imagery and blue for the German resistance. This helps in showing the ideals
that both sides had since there is a contrast. Each image is visually pleasing,
providing a perspective into the horrors of Nazi Germany and the German
resistance. The artwork itself tells the complete story by drawing upon what is
stated in the text and further expanding the narrative.
Meanwhile, the text includes accurate information, dates,
and stories coinciding with the main plot of the story. The story itself is
insightful and easy to understand as literature and a historical text because
it offers the complete story of the Nazi regime while never sidetracking
Bonhoeffer’s plot to kill Hitler. The historical information found in the story
is demonstrated through the actions of the characters as the plot moves on and
through case files included throughout the novel which highlights and describes
key moments and dates, definitions of important events and operations, and
letters that give extra insight into what happened behind the scenes. As a
whole, The Faithful Spy takes an
informational event lacking in storytelling and turns it into a memorable tale
filled with suspense and emotion allowing readers to follow along the life of
Bonhoeffer and his plan to assassinate Hitler.Biography:
In addition to being a New York Times Bestselling children’s books author, John Hendrix is also a prolific illustrator. Among his works are The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler, Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus, and John Brown: His Fight for Freedom. These graphic novels all have immensely detailed drawings that depict various scenes. It is clear that Hendrix primarily views himself as an artist.Hendrix’s education reflects that, demonstrating a focus on creating art in different forms. Hendrix has two undergraduate degrees in both Design and Illustration from the University of Kansas. He also graduated in 2003 with a MFA in “Illustration as Visual Essay” program from The School of Visual Arts in New York City.
His professional work experience, too, indicates that Hendrix is driven by a desire to create and to inspire others to create as well. An associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Hendrix teaches illustration. There, he is also in the process of launching a new MFA in Illustration and Visual Culture.
Illustration is his specialty and Hendrix’s primary creative outlet is drawing. He so highly favors this medium over all others that he considers himself a “drawer.” In fact, he keeps a sketchbook and draws in it daily, recommending any budding creator to do the same. From these sketches, he is able to draw inspiration for his graphic novels.
Additionally, Hendrix is decorated with numerous artistic awards that laud him for his talent and contributions in the field of illustration. He has received Silver Medals from Society of Illustrators in 2006, 2008, and 2015. And in 2018, The Faithful Spy earned him a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators, the highest level of awards.
Hendrix imparts this advice to future artists: “We must remember, as illustrators, that our primary goal is not expression, but communication.” In making art, then, Hendrix has found his way of communicating with the world and creating intriguing narratives.
The Faithful Spy Links
This is a great link that offers detailed information and collections on Bonhoeffer’s life. This is where there are links to his research library, the house he grew up and much, much more.
Summary of Bonhoeffer's life and times from education to execution, created by Public Broadcasting Service.
Prison Time
This link details the time Bonhoeffer spent in prison and the days leading to his death.
Maria von Wedemeyer
Information on Maria von Wedemeyer, the fiancé of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. there are additional links on this page that include video information on the affiliations Bonhoeffer had in the spy circle.
Church Involvement
This is a very detailed version of Bonhoeffner's affiliations to the church and education.also includes is information where he is was educated and received his religious training.
This link has 42 maps that explain WWII and Hitler’s conquest areas. These maps include areas of enemy attacks, areas of other countries attack route and escape routes.
Bonhoeffer's Religion
The following link gives a brief biography and the religious portions of his life. It includes a timeline of activities that he was involved with throughout his life.
Video of Berlin Hosting Olympic
This is a short 2 minute video produced by Time Magazine revealing the time Hitler hosted the Olympic games in Berlin to show the world how superior Germany was to the rest of the world.
Link to some escape routes out of occupied Europe led to belligerent states (such as the Soviet Union), neutral states (such as Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey), and even to states allied with Germany (such as Italy and Hungary before they were occupied by Germany). After the German attack on the Soviet Union, more than a million Soviet Jews escaped eastward, fleeing the advancing German army. Thousands more Jews managed to leave Black Sea ports in Bulgaria and Romania, seeking to reach safety in Palestine.
This link contains theological and thoughtful quotes from Bonhoeffer.
Instructional Activity:
Preview:
This
activity consists of 3 different parts, each of which will help students apply
various reading and writing skills. Teachers should hand out this worksheet and
go over the directions with students.
The
first activity will have students make connections between the illustrations of
the graphic novel (The Faithful Spy) and how they connect to the text in
the book.
The
second activity will allow students to gain a sense of character development
throughout a novel. Students will assess events early in the novel, as well as events
toward the end, and compare and contrast the characters actions.
The
third activity will expand student’s writing skills by having them create a
narrative in which they critically think about not only the novel being studied,
but will also have them think about their personal lives and how they would
compare to the character in a novel.
California Common Core Standards:
C.C. Standard: 9-10. Reading
Standards for Literature: Key Ideas and Details: 2. Determine a theme or
central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of
the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific
details; provide an objective summary of the text.
C.C. Standard: 9-10. Reading
Standards for Literature: Key Ideas and Details: 1. Cite strong and thorough
textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well
as inferences drawn from the text. 3. Analyze how complex characters (e.g.,
those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text,
interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
C.C. Standard: 9-10. Writing Standards: Text Types and Purposes:
3. Write narratives to develop real
or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details,
and well-structured event sequences: a. Engage and orient the reader by setting
out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s)
of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth
progression of experiences or events. b. Use narrative techniques, such as
dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop
experiences, events, and/or characters. c. Use a variety of techniques to
sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.
d. Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to
convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced,
observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.
5. Develop and strengthen writing as
needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach,
focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
Resources and Preparation:
The
only resources needed for these activities are the graphic novel The
Faithful Spy by John Hendrix and the worksheet provided below.
Instructional Plan:
Directions
for this lesson plan are included on the worksheet provided.
Worksheet links:
Activity #1 & #2 (page 1)
Activity #3 (page 2)
Bibliography
“About John Hendrix.” John Hendrix Illustration, www.johnhendrix.com/about.
