Peace Stick

Peace Stick: Two Girls, One Charm, Endless Hope In October 1962, as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear war, two East German schoolgirls cling to their youthful innocence. Peace Stick immerses readers in the lives of 13-year-olds Ingrid Richter and Sylvie Witzenhause, who are forced to confront the terrifying realities of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Haunted by a harrowing visit to Buchenwald concentration camp, Ingrid and Sylvie wrestle with fear and uncertainty as tensions between the superpowers escalate. Seeking a symbol of hope, they craft a peace stick—a lucky charm to protect them from the impending threat of destruction. They navigate the complexities of adolescence amidst political turmoil, Ingrid and Sylvie holding tight to their dreams of a future that might provide jobs, boyfriends, then husbands and families – and no more wars. Set against the backdrop of a divided Germany, Peace Stick is a poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and the enduring quest for safety in a world fraught with danger. As the crisis unfolds, will their peace stick provide the comfort they desperately seek? Join Ingrid and Sylvie on a journey that challenges the limits of courage and the power of belief in a peaceful future.