Lois Lowry strikes just the right balance between telling the truth of the dangers and trauma Nazi occupation in Denmark, and shielding younger readers from its brutality. Anne Marie’s courage and loyalty are tested as she finds herself caught up in plans to help her Jewish best friend Ellen, and her family, escape pursuit by Nazi soldiers. Told through Anne Marie’s eyes and experiences, the story unfolds gently and sensitively, with just the right amount of peril and tragedy to be realistic, but not too much for young readers to handle. As an introduction to WW2 fiction for 9-10 year olds, and as a read-aloud for a mixed age group, this is perfect. Full of hope, and encompassing a gentle challenge as we wonder whether our loyalty and bravery would match Anne-Marie’s if we were in her shoes – indeed, whether we can build communities today with the integrity, courage, and grit shown by the Danes who protected and aided the escape of over seven thousand Jews to Sweden in the days after occupation – this book really champions the power of the individual for good in the face of evil.