Village of Scoundrels
Published on 25. February 2020
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-1-4197-0897-8 (ISBN)
Description
Newbery Honor recipient Margi Preus tells the incredible true
story of a group of French teenagers who helped save refugees in WWII
Based
on the true story of the French villagers in WWII who saved thousands
of Jews, this novel tells how a group of young teenagers stood up for
what is right. Among them is a young Jewish boy who learns to forge
documents to save his mother and later goes on to save hundreds of lives
with his forgery skills. There is also a girl who overcomes her fear to
carry messages for the Resistance. And a boy who smuggles people into
Switzerland. But there is always the threat that they will be caught: A
policeman is sent to keep an eye on them, German soldiers reside in a
local hotel, and eventually the Gestapo arrives, armed with guns and a
list of names. As the knot tightens, the young people must race against
time to bring their friends to safety.
story of a group of French teenagers who helped save refugees in WWII
Based
on the true story of the French villagers in WWII who saved thousands
of Jews, this novel tells how a group of young teenagers stood up for
what is right. Among them is a young Jewish boy who learns to forge
documents to save his mother and later goes on to save hundreds of lives
with his forgery skills. There is also a girl who overcomes her fear to
carry messages for the Resistance. And a boy who smuggles people into
Switzerland. But there is always the threat that they will be caught: A
policeman is sent to keep an eye on them, German soldiers reside in a
local hotel, and eventually the Gestapo arrives, armed with guns and a
list of names. As the knot tightens, the young people must race against
time to bring their friends to safety.
Reviews / Votes
**STARRED REVIEW**"Each character's backstory is woven seamlessly into the action. Preus builds suspense and drama by following these brave souls as they take on dangerous tasks... Deeply emotional, intense, and thought-provoking." * Kirkus Reviews * **STARRED REVIEW**
"Preus conveys the tales of heroism and resistance of the village teens with a story that is filled with suspense and intrigue... Readers will be inspired by these teens that stood for what is right and who, through their actions, saved the lives." * School Library Connection * **STARRED REVIEW**
"Preus weaves the teens' backstories and individual dreams into the mounting dangers each faces and poignantly renders the quietly courageous and supportive community... An inspiring narrative founded on a real-life community and individuals." * Publishers Weekly * **STARRED REVIEW**
"Both thrilling and chilling, Village of Scoundrels will surely keep readers engrossed from start to finish." * Shelf Awareness * Preus crafts a delicate balance of the characters' interweaving tales and the community that bands together to protect its vulnerable population. * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * Fascinating. . . Readers inspired by communities making a difference-and in WWII and Holocaust history-will find much of interest here. * Booklist *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Abrams
Target group
Young adult
Interest Age: From 10 to 14 years
Product notice
With printed dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 219 mm
Width: 150 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Weight
479 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4197-0897-8 (9781419708978)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Margi Preus is the author of West of the Moon, Shadow on the Mountain, and Heart of a Samurai, which was a Newbery Honor book. She also writes for a variety of theater companies. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota.