Excellent WWII Resistance novel, based in Norway and on true stories. Great pacing, which makes it hard to put down, very engaging characters, who range from young teens to older ones over the course of the book. I particularly appreciate that there are Nazi sympathizers as well as resistance fighters -- they foil each other nicely, and allow for conversations about why they make the choices they do, and further the message of love over hate. I found this profoundly thoughtful and moving, and it lets the book incorporate shades of grey over black and white. ( )

This is a fictional account of a true story. The protagonist is a young boy of 15, Espen, living in Norway from the years 1940-1945. Espen's character is based on the the the real-life experiences of Erling Storrusten who was a member of the Norwegian Resistance.

For a YA book, this was a very, very good read. The story does not hesitate to tell you all sides, the good, the bad and the ugly-however there is nothing that would offend.

I am finding more and more books on WWII that offer me knowledge I previously hadn't obtained from past reads. . I believe we sometimes forget it was called a "World War" for a reason. It truly touched and destroyed so much of our world and stole so much from the young. ( )

Espen is fourteen years old when Hitler's army invades his country of Norway and gradually imposes restrictions on his people. Realizing the terrible world they will live in with Hitler at the helm, Espen and several of his friends begin involving themselves in secret resistance missions. Meanwhile, his best friend has joined the Norwegian Nazis. The war progresses, and Espen's jobs become more significant, his involvement more complex, his knowledge more dangerous. As he struggles to make decisions to protect himself and his family and friends, Espen is also wrestling with questions about how two people with the same desires for a better world can make two opposite choices. What is right and what is wrong, and how does a person know the difference?

I tore through this one in a single day. The writing is lovely, the pace is quick, and the protagonists are courageous and loyal (and based on real people, which makes their story even more inspiring). Preus has won a Newbery honor before; can she do it again this year? ( )

RGG: Even though the main character is a teenager through most of the story, the mood reads more middle grade than YA. Still despite being a bit tame, a detailed depiction of the war time experience. Reading Interest: 10-13.

RGG: Even though the main character is a teenager through most of the story, the mood reads more middle grade than YA. Still despite being a bit tame, a detailed depiction of the war time experience. Reading Interest: 10-13.