Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (war deaths mentioned)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
12yo Arthur has lied his way onto a merchant marine ship at the very beginning of the next war in Europe. His father died working to save his shipload of crew and Arthur can’t stand his stepfather. The SS Tairoa is hit and captured by the Germans and Arthur goes through grueling days as a prisoner of war. After he is released, nothing can stop Arthur from running away and joining another ship. And if he has to steal a boat and cross the English Channel to rescue soldiers trapped on the beach on Dunkirk in order to help the war effort, then Arthur is going to do just that.
While the opening is a little slower than Nielsen’s normal pace, I liked how she shows us how determined Arthur is and also how everything Arthur does is another dynamic in his relationship with his mother and stepfather. My students, especially the boys, are loving historical fiction, so I am very excited to have another offering for them - especially because they already like Nielsen so much. Arthur is white.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
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