- A boy named Emil is robbed while sleeping on the train
- based in Berlin, Germany
- Emil makes new friends who all help him track down the thief
- convo: mentions tobacco, mentions beer, a girl speaks disrespectfully to adults
- cheery & whimsical
- see language notes below*
Type: chapter book
Ages: 8-12
Author: Erich Kästner
Illustrator: Walter Trier
As Maurice Sendak says of this book, “Here is the essence of boyhood, with all its endearing human quirkiness.” The story is a memorable adventure as Emil and the city boys immediately bond with a common (and exciting) purpose.
Translations vary WIDELY on this one. Publishers apparently find it necessary to “Americanize” this story (aka, dumb it down, add more crude slang, etc.) with each new publication. This is not only insulting but it alters the story, too. Even almost all the names were literally translated to the point of sounding ridiculous. Sigh. I’m sure these new versions wouldn’t be appreciated by Kästner.
*Language notes for two translations:
- language in the W. Martin 2007 translation: heck, stupid, G*d x8, darn x2, damn, who the hell, idiots
- language in the 1998 Barnes & Noble translation: stupid x3, my L*rd, idiots, asses (as in “numbskulls”)
Nerd alert: I would like nothing better than to obtain more translations (not to mention, learn German so I can read the original) and study the differences in detail, but alas, time is limited. Just buy yourself an older copy of this book, and enjoy it!