By the time he is twelve Frank Levy understands that to achieve his wishes, he must depend upon himself. In the young adult version of Life with an Accent we meet Levy as a happy toddler, oblivious to political dangers. Seeking safety, in 1936 his family moves from Germany to the British Mandate of Palestine. Ten years later they emigrate to America to be with grandma. Once again Levy must change languages, cultures, even his name because of events beyond his control. With every effort to adapt he sees that the history we live through, matters.