Phillip Hoose
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (May 12, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0374300224
ISBN-13: 978-0374300227
Lexile: Approx. 1100
When Germany invaded Denmark in WWII, Denmark didn't resist. Their government thought to protect their people by allowing Germany to take over. It did prevent loss of life, and the Danish people were able to live their lives more-or-less normally. In neighboring Norway, it was a different story. The Norwegians resisted, tooth and nail.
Not every Dane was happy with their government's decision, and that's where this relatively unknown story comes in. Knud and Jens Pedersen, mere schoolboys, got some friends together and began actively sabotaging their German occupiers. When they were finally found, arrested, and imprisoned, the movement grew and spread. This book is the story of "The Churchill Club," those schoolboys who set off a movement in their nation.
The story is told in both the third-person, with supporting historical research, and in first-person by Knud himself, as well as a few others. There are also photographs and illustrations.
Possible objectionable material: Many, if not all, of the boys smoke. They are imprisoned and poorly treated. They set things on fire. General hooliganism, but for a purpose.
Who might like it: Anyone interested in WWII history, especially those parts that are not as well-known. Girls are minor characters in the book, but do have a presence. The book is aimed at ages 12-18.
Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
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