When your child is fascinated by history but needs an action-packed story to stay engaged, this book is a perfect choice. It uses the real-life World War II event, Operation Jericho, as a backdrop for a thrilling tale of young members of the French Resistance. The story centers on their courage and collaboration as they assist in a daring plan to bomb a prison to free captured heroes. It handles mature themes like war and sacrifice with suspense rather than graphic detail, making it appropriate for its target age. This is a fantastic way to bring history to life, modeling bravery and showing how ordinary people can make a difference in extraordinary times.
Tense scenes of hiding from soldiers, potential capture, and the chaos of an air raid.
Character DeathMild
Deaths are mentioned as a reality of war but are not depicted graphically.
Sensitive Topics
The book addresses the realities of war, including imprisonment, the threat of torture and execution, and combat-related death. Violence is present but not graphic; it's centered on the bombing raid and the peril of living under military occupation. Deaths are mentioned and are a source of motivation, but they are not described in gory detail. The approach is secular and historical, focusing on the human cost and courage of the French Resistance. The resolution is hopeful in the context of the successful mission, but realistic about the ongoing nature of the war.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10 to 12-year-old who loves high-stakes adventure and is ready for historical topics with real-world consequences. It's a perfect fit for a child who enjoys action movies or video games, providing a literary bridge to historical fiction. It would also strongly appeal to a young history enthusiast who wants a narrative that makes historical events feel personal and immediate.
Parent Prep
No major prep is needed to read this cold. However, a quick internet search for "Operation Jericho" could provide fascinating real-world context for a post-reading discussion. Parents might want to preview the chapter describing the bombing raid to be prepared for questions about the chaos and danger. A parent has noticed their child is curious about World War II, asking questions like, "What did kids do in the war?" or "Were there really spies?" The parent wants a book that is exciting but not traumatizing.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be captivated by the adventure, the spy-craft elements, and the clear-cut good vs. evil conflict. An older reader (11-13) will likely appreciate the moral complexity: the difficult choice to bomb a prison, potentially harming the people inside, in order to save them. They will also grasp more of the historical significance and the immense pressure on the characters.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many middle-grade WWII novels that focus on the Holocaust or the British home front, this book highlights the French Resistance and a specific, daring military operation. Its tight, singular focus on one event makes the massive scale of WWII accessible and thrilling. The fast-paced, plot-driven style makes it an excellent choice for reluctant readers.
Read plot summary
This historical fiction chapter book dramatizes the 1944 Amiens prison raid (Operation Jericho) from the perspective of young French Resistance operatives. The protagonists are tasked with gathering intelligence and passing critical information to the British Royal Air Force for a high-risk, low-altitude bombing run designed to breach the prison walls. The goal is to free captured Resistance leaders before they can be executed by the occupying German forces. The narrative focuses on the suspense of the mission, the teamwork required, and the immense bravery of the children and adults involved.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The plan to bomb the prison was incredibly risky and could have harmed the very people they were trying to save. Do you think the Resistance and the Allies made the right choice? Why or why not?
2
Teamwork was critical to the success of the Amiens raid. Can you point to a specific moment where the mission would have failed if one character hadn't done their part correctly?
3
The characters had to live with the constant fear of being discovered. How do you think that daily fear changed them as people throughout the story?
4
This story is based on a real event from history. How does knowing that the raid actually happened change how you feel about the characters' bravery and the dangers they faced?
