It’s Denmark in 1943, and word is leaking out that the Nazis intend to detain the Danish Jews before shipping them to concentration camps. 10-year-old Annemarie doesn’t know why anyone would want to hurt her neighbors, including her best friend, Ellen Rosen, who Annemarie’s family conceals as one of their own. But as the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, the Danish Resistance comes up with a plan. In small groups, under cover of darkness, they will sail Danish Jews to safety in Sweden... all seven thousand of them.
This Newbery Medal-winning novel based on this real-life rescue is made even more poignant through the eyes of its main character. Annemarie struggles to understand what is going on around her, but knows that the lies her family tells — and the risks they take — are worth it for the lives they save. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.
"Annemarie Johansen has, at 10, known three years of Nazi occupation. Though ever cautious and fearful of the ubiquitous soldiers, she is largely unaware of the extent of the danger around her; the Resistance kept even its participants safer by telling them as little as possible.... Like Annemarie, the reader is protected from the full implications of events — but will be caught up in the suspense and menace of several encounters with soldiers and in Annemarie's courageous run as courier on the night of the escape." — Kirkus Reviews
Recommended Age | 9 and up |
---|---|
Special Features | Mighty Girl Top Picks |
Author | Lois Lowry |
ISBN | 0547577095 |
Publication Date | May 2, 2011 |
Publisher | Sandpiper |
Award Winners | Newbery Medal |
Language | English |