Courageous: A Novel of Dunkirk by Yona Zeldis McDonough, 177
pages. Scholastic, 2018. $17.
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Aiden, 12yo, and his best friend Sally live in
England during World War II. Aiden has
lost one brother to the war and his other brother, George, sends home letters
as frequently as he can. Sally and Aiden
like to listen to the radio, so when in May 1940 they hear a cry for citizens
to help pick up troops from across the water at Dunkirk, Aiden wants to take
his father’s fishing boat convinced that he will be helping his brother
George. Aiden’s father refuses to get
involved, so Aiden and Sally sneak the boat out and follow the other people
across the water to help in Dunkirk.
At
first I was bothered that Aiden was only twelve-years old, but I actually think
younger readers would relate to Aiden and Sally and their need to contribute to
the war effort. I enjoyed the
adventurous story, especially because it’s historical fiction and I felt like
it was realistic. At times it was neatly
wrapped up, but there is still un-graphic deaths from wounds, shootings and
bombings.
Reviewer, C. Peterson.
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