About This Book
Shadow on the Mountain is a compelling historical fiction novel recounting the adventures of 14-year-old Espen in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. Based on the real-life experiences of Norwegian resistance fighter Erling Storrusten, the story follows Espen's journey from delivering illegal newspapers to becoming a spy, dodging the Gestapo and facing constant peril. The book masterfully blends a thrilling coming-of-age narrative with historical detail, incorporating archival photographs and maps to enrich the experience. Praised for its balance of suspense, good-natured humor, and poignant moments, it's an excellent choice for middle-grade readers interested in WWII history, spy stories, and tales of extraordinary bravery, comparable to 'Number the Stars' or 'The Diary of Anne Frank'.
In Nazi-occupied Norway, fourteen-year-old Espen joins the resistance movement, graduating from deliverer of illegal newspapers to courier and spy.
peril_danger
war_themes
Violence
Character Death
Discussion Prompts
1
What does bravery mean to Espen, and how does his understanding of it change throughout the story?
2
How did the Norwegian people resist the Nazi occupation in both small and large ways?
3
What moral dilemmas did Espen and his friends face, and how did they make their choices?
4
How do the archival photographs and maps enhance your understanding and experience of the story?
5
Compare Espen's experiences to those of other young people you've read about during wartime, like Anne Frank or the characters in 'Number the Stars'.
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