When Henry Forester is shot down during a bombing run over France,the World War II pilot finds himself trapped behind enemy lines. In constant danger of discovery by German soldiers, Henry begins a remarkable journey to freedom. Relying on the kindness of strangers, Henry moves from town to town—traveling by moonlight, never asking questions or even the names of the people who help him along the way. Each day brings him closer to home, yet every step in enemy territory invites new dangers.
Even as Henry fights for his own life, he quickly grows to realize the peril that surrounds all of the French people and to admire the courage of the freedom fighters who risk death to protect him. Suspenseful and achingly true, this critically acclaimed and deeply beloved novel explores the heartbreak of war, the strength of the human spirit, and one young man's struggle to protect the things he loves.
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“This is a gritty, unblinking look at the horrors that the Nazis visited upon France during the occupation. Hank is a smart, strong, and courageous character who survives under the worst of conditions…Hank is almost too good to be true. But the real heroes of the story are the French civilians who help Hank and many Allied soldiers like him to escape from the Nazis…The ending seems rather romanticized, but the author’s afterword explains that the story is based on some of her own father’s experiences. Readers with an interest in warfare and adventure will find a sure winner here. Pair this novel with Don Wulffson’s Soldier X for a comparison with life as a young German soldier.”
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School Library Journal