The War Outside by Monica Hesse

In 1944, amid the fear and prejudice of wartime America, two teenage girls meet behind the fences of a Texas internment camp—Haruko, Japanese American, and Margot, the daughter of German immigrants. Though their countries are enemies, their hearts recognize a shared injustice.

Bound by isolation yet divided by suspicion, their friendship blooms in a world where loyalty can be lethal and truth is a dangerous luxury. As the war rages on, they must decide how much they are willing to risk for trust, freedom, and each other.

The War Outside is a haunting, tender story of friendship and betrayal set against one of history’s darkest hours.