Hour of Need: The Daring Escape of the Danish Jews During World War II

Gr 6 Up–This graphic historical fiction of the Nazi Resistance in Denmark during World War II begins in present-day as Mette visits Denmark with her grandchildren, and alternates with the daring story of the Danish people who saved the lives of its Jewish community through heroic resistance. Included is the story of King Christian and the apocryphal tale of him riding on horseback with a star of David to show solidarity; the story of “Svend Otto Nielsen,” pseudonymously known as John, who fearlessly sabotaged the German war efforts; and the stories of everyday Danes who, without reservation, aided in evacuating most of the Danish Jews into Sweden. The book also introduces readers to Jewish culture in Denmark. Danish culture is also covered, specifically the Hans Christian Anderson fairy-tale version of the mighty warrior Holger Danske, who became a symbol of the Danish resistance to the Nazis. The full-color artwork is dramatic, with dark shadows portraying their harrowing escape and realistic drawings showing landmarks in Denmark.