Courage & Defiance: Spies, Saboteurs, and Survivors in WWII Denmark

“Only a drop in the ocean, that’s what they say. Well now, the ocean consists of drops.” – Mogens FogAn emotionally affecting story based on a collection of survivors’ memoirs, this WWII account focuses on the resistance efforts in Denmark during the five years of German occupation. Readers are immediately drawn in with riveting action from the Danish spies and saboteurs—ordinary men and women who, instead of meekly surrendering their freedom and watching their fellow countrymen in danger, chose to covertly help the official resistance organizations by destroying German machinery and weaponry, disrupting their supply lines and secretly transporting the Jewish population to nearby neutral Sweden. At a great risk to their own lives—and in fact many of the Danes featured were eventually sent to concentration camps—these men and women were brave, admirable heroes of WWII and humbly represent the spirit of the Danish people in a time of great deprivation and strife.Courage & Defiance easily garners interest in its subject, giving supporting information on the causes of the war succinctly, and age appropriate descriptions of Hitler’s rise without overwhelming details. Headings include a date, relevant quote or newspaper headline, and there are captioned photos throughout. A vocabulary list for young readers is included, as well as a prologue that is both informative and personal while anticipating any qualms readers may have, such as the timeline that skips around.The author’s enthusiasm for these brave men and women shines with each new chapter, encouraging readers to further independent research. While recommended for ages 8 -12 years, it is suitable for both young adults and older readers as an indispensable reference for those interested specifically in the history of Denmark during World War II.

This is an intense and complex report of the resistance and sabotage efforts by citizen Danes during the long German occupation of WWII. Hopkinson does a masterful job of handling complex forces, including the Germans, the British Allied spy organizations (that spent the first few years in conflicting and failed efforts), locals who lacked training or even the mindset to handle secrecy and explosives), and a national government that chose compliance rather than protest or active resistance. She manages to individualize and humanize a cavalcade of locations, players, and problems.Because the history is itself so complex (and I say that as someone who has researched this history extensively) I recommend this as intense nonfiction for strong readers, with special emphasis on Hopkinson's skill at pointing out areas that continue to be disputed and her detailed back matter to document sources. In addition I'd pair it with the Phillip Hoose non-fiction about the earliest resistance efforts in Denmark: The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club. Hoose does extensive research, too, but relies heavily on primary sources, namely the actual individual on home the story is based.Comparing these with Lois Lowry's Newbery-winning NUMBER THE STARS is a trifecta of excellent reading sources on this topic.

This book is written for kids ten and youngerReads like a Dick and Jane BookSee Spot Run See Spot RunWish I had know before punching this bookI’ll give it to the local thrift store

I am a student of the history of Denmark in WWII, its rescue of Denmark's 7200 citizens of Jewish faith, and its ultimate resistance to German occupation. I have a large library of books, including some textbooks, and others written in Danish that describe Denmark's history from its occupation in April 1940 to its liberation in May 1945. Of all the books I have read this one, meant (I believe) as a good fit for high school libraries is by far the clearest. The author traces how the Danes lived under German occupation, why they did not begin resisting German domination until late in 1942, or early in 43. It contains a clear description of the rescue of the Danish Jews, but also a description of those Danes who chose to join a German sponsored unit and why. It is an easy read, includes a time line, and well worth the purchase.

This book was suggested to me by my 12-yo grandson. I downloaded it so he could read it on his Kindle and find myself totally engrossed in this wonderful compilations of bravery in the face of Nazi tyranny in Denmark! My grandson is enjoying it as well and gives us a wonderful topic of conversation when we're together. I Love that he is enjoying history as much as I.

Excellent account, written for a teen audience, of the Danish resistance in WW2. A very undertold story of some real heroes. Adults will gain much from reading it as well as teens.

My son loved this book and I even got it as a gift for my grandfather

My 6th grader read this book and loved it.

I found this to be an average book about second war atrocities. Nothing was outstanding

デンマークの研究をするにあたり、購入。WW2中ののデンマークの様子や、白バス等、国内外の情報も多く、参考資料として優秀。梱包は簡素ではあったが、目立った傷もなく、大変読みやすい状態である。買って良かった。