This is an amazing account of the World War II occupation of Denmark. It is from the perspective of a young girl, Annemarie. I have always been fascinated with reading and learning about the people affected by the horrible acts during the war at the hands of the Nazis. I think a part of me is so shocked that something so horrible could even really happen in a civilized world (which I thought we were back then). There are so many questions that come to mind when studying about the courageous people who fought back to save family and friends from an gruesome fate. Annemarie's uncle asks her, "Are you brave?" and she responds by playing an important role that ultimately saves her best friend and countless others. I like to think that I would do something to help in a similar situation but I honestly don't know what I could actually do. Character is often revealed when tough situations arise.
Although this novel is not written or told by a Jewish child, important lessons can be learned. This novel gives a voice to younger children who did what they could and had an amazing faith that kept them going. Even though this happened so long ago in Europe, we see examples of horrible injustices going on recently in Somalia, Bosnia, and Rwanda. We need more people willing to be there for their fellow human being and this book can hopefully help inspire--especially young readers--to action.
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