Under a War-Torn Sky [Paperback]

L. M. Elliott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2003 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

When Henry Forester is shot down during a bombing run over France, the World War II pilot finds himself trapped behind enemy lines. In constant danger of discovery by German soldiers, Henry begins a remarkable journey to greedom. Relying on the kind ness of strangers, Henry moves from town to town--traveling by moonlight, never asking questions, or even the names of the people who help him along the way. Through his journey, Henry gains an understanding of the French and their struggle; and of his own place in a war that will change the face of Europe forever.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-In 1944, 19-year-old Hank is an American pilot flying his 15th bombing mission when his plane is shot down over Alsace, near the Swiss border. Locals assist him in getting to neutral territory. There, a Red Cross doctor advises him to attempt an escape from Europe across France with the help of the French Resistance. Hank's many adventures as he makes his way toward home and freedom comprise the rest of the story. This is a gritty, unblinking look at the horrors that the Nazis visited upon France during the occupation. Hank is a smart, strong, and courageous character who survives under the worst of conditions. He becomes closely acquainted with death as he sees men killed and learns that he, too, must kill in order to survive. As likable as he is, Hank is almost too good to be true. But the real heroes of the story are the French civilians who help Hank and many Allied soldiers like him to escape from the Nazis. There is a fair amount of French mixed into the telling of these stories. While this does lend authenticity, it may prove daunting to readers unfamiliar with the language. The ending seems rather romanticized, but the author's afterword explains that the story is based on some of her own father's experiences. Readers with an interest in warfare and adventure will find a sure winner here. Pair this novel with Don Wulffson's Soldier X (Viking, 2001) for a comparison with life as a young German soldier.

Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. It's packed with action, intrigue, and suspense, but this novel celebrates acts of kindness and heroism without glorifying war. American Henry Forester, a young flier with the RAF during World War II, is a complex mix of insecurities, unresolved feelings about his punitive father, and heroic aspiration. On his thirteenth bombing mission, he is shot down, having no idea where he has landed. His journey back through Nazi-occupied Europe and his involvement with members of the French resistance are depicted with chilling realism. Small details (bike wheels in France were made of wood because the Germans had confiscated all the rubber) add both credibility and appeal to this gripping adventure, inspired by stories told to the author by her father. An afterword concerns the resistance movement. Connie Fletcher
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (April 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786817534
• ISBN-13: 978-0786817535
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #70,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Fiction > Military & Wars
  • #51 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Military & Wars

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Under a War-Torn Sky, April 9, 2006

By 

Robin "spfd" (Luray, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under a War-Torn Sky (Paperback)

Wow! What a page turner! From the start, I was pulled in and felt like I was right alongside Henry, feeling what he was feeling. Henry was a "boy" who was a fighter pilot that was shot down during World War II behind enemy lines. Due to his perseverence and with the help of many strangers(including French Resistance fighters)who risk their lives, Henry makes it back to his family's farm in Virginia--as a man. This war story includes everything that anyone would want-danger, suspense, adventure, even romance! Don't miss it!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Under a War Torn Sky, September 10, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Under a War-Torn Sky (Paperback)

This book was fantastic. It was very realistic to war. It showed how evil some people can be but then how nice others can be. Henry Forester goes threw it all.Henry is a 19 year old pilot shot down behind enemy lines. He has to survive a lot to make it home. I suggest a tissue when you read it too. But don't get me wrong its an awesome book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My nine year old LOVED, March 24, 2006

By 

Christina Tipton (Novato, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under a War-Torn Sky (Paperback)

My son is nine and I'm always trying to get him to read books. He's fascinated by war and weapons and loves playing the war type video games. He can't put this book down, great and interesting read for him. Also, he gets to learn real history and what war is like from a more real perspective.