This book won the 1990 Newbery Medal. Set in German-occupied Denmark in WWII, the book tells the story of Annemarie Johansen. She and her family help rescue* her best friend, Ellen Rosen, and her family. The two girls have grown up together. Like their daughters, the parents are best friends, having been neighbors for years.

Ten-year-old Annemarie and Ellen often think of life before the war. It’s now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through town.

When the German occupation becomes increasingly hostile*, the writing is on the wall for the Jews. The Johansens are ordinary people who take extraordinary* risks to stand against injustice*. They become active in the resistance* movement, helping to smuggle* targeted groups of people to safety.

The story is deeply sentimental and thought-provoking, with plenty of action and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, but nothing too terrifying for children.

Readers will learn about Danish culture and the role that Denmark played in WWII.

Mostly, this story is inspirational. It is about the strength of the human spirit. This is the kind of book that makes you reevaluate your values and what you consider important in life. Everyone needs a reminder* every once in a while.

The book is available at online bookstores like jd.com.(SD-Agencies)