Honey Cake

July 1, 2008
In this Holocaust rescue story where the camps remain a distant but scary threat, a young Jewish boy in Copenhagen tells of the Nazi invasion of Denmark, the widespread resistance among ordinary citizens, and how, after three years of occupation, the Danes help many Jews escape the roundups. Ten-year-old David knows that the grown-ups around him have secrets and that his sister is part of the resistance. Then David himself becomes involved; hes drawn into tricking the soldiers and delivering an important message that helps the resistance derail a German supply train. Black-and-white illustrations throughout break up the text of this chapter book, which can serve as an introduction to the grim history. Older children may want to go on to Ellen Levines Darkness over Denmark (2000), as well as accounts about people who did not escape. The afterword focuses on the Danish governments rescue efforts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2009
After the Nazis invade Denmark, life changes for David's family. Still, things aren't as bad as elsewhere. Then in September 1943, word gets out that the Nazis are planning to round up all Jews. David's neighbors help his family, and many others, escape to Sweden. The simply told story and black-and-white illustrations convey tension, fear, and hope. An afterword gives historical context.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)