Resist

The Netherlands are occupied by the Nazis meaning its people are daily faced with hardship and danger. Food is in short supply and everyone is in fear of arrest - or worse. Edda’s family, like many, have been affected by the occupation and is determined to aid the resistance in any way she can.

Inspired by the real life story of Audrey Hepburn, ‘Resist’ is an excellent novel, highlighting the experiences of those living in the Netherlands during World War II whilst sensitively portraying Hepburn’s early years. This is historical fiction at its best- Tom is well known for his meticulous research and brilliant writing and uses these skills to illuminate lesser known stories from this period. In ‘Resist’, he shines a light on the contribution of the Dutch resistance and the suffering of the people of the Netherlands during the occupation. Tom conveys the constant fear people lived under, the desperate hunger they faced, the casual cruelty of the oppressors, the fierce determination of those resisting without the book becoming too distressing or overwhelming for the audience at which it is aimed. It is easy to empathise with Edda and understand her desire to do everything she can to thwart the Nazis despite the personal danger she - and others - faced and knowing that this is based on the youthful experiences of a film and fashion icon makes the story all the more compelling.

There is so much to recommend this book to teachers to support and extend learning in history, but it is also an excellent story to develop children’s knowledge of this period, helping them to make connections and deepen their understanding. Further information about Audrey Hepburn and the situation in the Netherlands is offered at the end of the book, sure to encourage additional reading and research- or, perhaps, inspire travel to visit some of the locations mentioned. The importance of excellent historical fiction cannot be underestimated.

Resist: One Girl’s Fight Back Against the Nazis

Tom Palmer, illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole

Barrington Stoke ISBN: 978-1800901063

Journey Back to Freedom

Snatched from Essaka in Africa, Olaudah Equiano was captured and enslaved at the age of 11. Having spent time in Barbados and Virginia, he then spent the next eight years travelling the world as slave to a British Royal Navy officer, who renamed him Gustavus Vassa. His final master allowed him to buy his freedom for £40 which Equiano had raised through trading himself. Back in England, he eventually became a prominent member of the abolition movement, publishing his autobiography in 1789.

In ‘Journey Back to Freedom’, Catherine Johnson focuses on Equiano’s early life, although she adds further information in her afterword. Well known for her excellent historical writing and attention to detail, Catherine has used Olaudah’s autobiography as the basis for her work, imagining dialogue except in places where he states he is quoting from life.

This is a disturbing and emotive subject, but Catherine Johnson’s concise and matter of fact style means it is accessible to a younger audience. The horrors of slavery are evident throughout from Olaudah’s initial capture to the barbarity of the voyage, from his life at sea to the cruelty of the West Indies, but Catherine has managed to maintain a fine balance between including this information and being overly descriptive.

Throughout his sufferings, Olaudah’s determination to regain his freedom is incredible and this is a book which will encourage and initiate conversations, developing children’s understanding of the slave trade through Olaudah’s lived experiences. In her afterword, Catherine recognises that he was a complex character. He was against slavery yet he was involved in the trade. This moral ambiguity, the awful situations he found himself in - all of this will lead to thought-provoking, challenging discussions about this very difficult period of history.

Barrington Stoke once again proving their books are for everyone!

Journey Back to Freedom: The Olaudah Equiano Story

Catherine Johnson, illustrated by Katie Hickey

Barrington Stoke ISBN: 978-1781129227

You can read my review of ‘Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story’ here.