The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

The Boys Who Challenged HitlerWritten by Phillip M. Hoose

Books about courage and patriotism are more important than ever. This is a book about both. The Churchill Club was started by Danish teenagers as a way to show their opposition to the Germans and their frustration with the Danish government for not standing up to the enemy. Knud Pedersen, along with his brother Jens, organized the Churchill Club. They started their resistance with small acts of sabotage such as cutting communication wires and then expanded to setting fire to German buildings and vehicles. They even started to amass weapons, hoping to create a real force in a country with very little military options. Knud admits in his interviews with Hoose that the group was naive at times and untrained. But their desires to stand against Hitler and his army were sincere. Despite being captured and imprisoned, the efforts of these young men inspired a nation to take a stand and make a difference. It is good for all of us, young and old, to be reminded that freedom is worth protecting and should not be taken for granted. This is a powerful and informative book, recommended for all.

Review by Teresa Edmunds, Westbrook Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 5-12

Author Website: http://www.philliphoose.com/

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club
Written by Phillip M. Hoose
Farrar, Straus, Giroux Books for Young Readers
198 pages
Release Date: May 12, 2015

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