For children navigating daunting challenges or seeking tales of courage, this novel shines a light on resilience and bravery during the Dunkirk evacuation.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is ready for historical fiction that explores bravery beyond the battlefield. "Courageous" tells the story of 12-year-old Alix, an English girl who feels helpless as World War II intensifies. When she learns of the soldiers trapped at Dunkirk, she and her new friend, a German Jewish refugee named Helmut, defy her parents and sail her father's small boat across the English Channel to join the civilian rescue fleet. This novel masterfully balances high stakes adventure with deep emotional themes of fear, resilience, and the courage found in small, deliberate acts of kindness. It is an excellent choice for middle grade readers to understand the impact of war on ordinary people and see how even a child can make a profound difference.
A main character is a refugee who has lost his family; the realities of war are present.
Scary ScenesMild
Scenes depicting air raids and the dangers of crossing the channel during the evacuation.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the perils of war, including bombings and the constant threat of attack. The approach is not graphic, focusing instead on the characters' emotional experiences. The persecution of Jewish people is addressed through Helmut's backstory. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing the power of individual action and the success of the historical evacuation.
Ideal Reader
A 10 to 12-year-old who loves adventure and history, but is more drawn to personal stories than grand military strategy. This book is for the child who wonders, "What would I have done?" It's also a good fit for a sensitive reader who wants to understand difficult historical events through a lens of hope and civilian heroism.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the Dunkirk evacuation and the Holocaust (related to Helmut's background). No specific pages need previewing for graphic content, but a brief primer on what was happening in 1940 would significantly enhance a child's understanding and appreciation of the stakes. A parent notices their child asking questions about WWII, perhaps after a school lesson or seeing a movie. Or, a parent sees their child feeling small in the face of big world problems and wants to share a story where a young person makes a tangible difference.
Age Experience
A younger reader (age 9-10) will primarily connect with the exciting adventure: sneaking out, sailing the boat, and surviving the danger. An older reader (age 11-13) will better grasp the nuanced themes of moral courage, the prejudice Helmut faces, and the complex decision to defy parents for a greater good.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many WWII novels for this age, this one spotlights the civilian-led Operation Dynamo from a child's point of view. Its focus on a female protagonist taking on a dangerous, active role is empowering, and the inclusion of a refugee's perspective adds a critical layer of depth about the wider human cost of the war.
Read plot summary
Alix, a 12-year-old girl living on the English coast during WWII, is frustrated by her inability to contribute to the war effort. She befriends Helmut, a German Jewish refugee boy. When they learn about the desperate situation of Allied soldiers trapped at Dunkirk, they secretly take Alix's father's boat, the "Courageous," and join the flotilla of civilian boats sailing to France. They face the dangers of the sea and enemy aircraft, ultimately succeeding in their rescue mission and demonstrating immense bravery in the face of overwhelming fear.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Alix decides to take her father's boat, the 'Courageous,' without his permission. Do you think she made the right choice? Why or why not? When might it be okay to break a rule?
2
Helmut faces prejudice from some people because he is German, even though he is a refugee who fled the Nazis. How does Alix's friendship show him he is welcome? How does this change both of them?
3
The book is called 'Courageous,' which is also the name of the boat. What are some of the different ways characters show courage in the story, besides the main rescue mission?
4
At the start of the book, Alix feels frustrated and helpless about the war. How does her journey to Dunkirk change the way she sees herself and her ability to make a difference?
