Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene (Puffin, £4.99 in the UK) is set in a small southern American town. The central character is Patty, a 12-year-old girl living under the strict supervision of her parents. When a group of German war prisoners are sent to Arkansas, Patty meets Anton a medical student, who teaches her that she is beautiful in her own right. He builds her self-confidence and self-esteem and under his influence she confronts her father who has been beating her for a long time. When the time comes for Anton to leave, he gives Patty a precious ring that has been in his family for generations. This book teaches you that everyone is equal and is a really good read.