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The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

Nonfiction | Biography | YA | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Phillip M. Hoose

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler

Nonfiction | Biography | YA | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Denmark • 1940s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip M. Hoose tells the true story of Knud Pedersen, a 14-year-old Danish boy, and his friends who form a resistance group called the Churchill Club during WWII after Denmark's quick surrender to Nazi Germany. The boys conduct acts of sabotage against the German army, eventually gaining national attention and inspiring wider resistance movements despite being arrested and enduring harsh prison sentences. The book includes themes of psychological trauma.

Challenging

Inspirational

Adventurous

Suspenseful

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

7,445 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Phillip M. Hoose's The Boys Who Challenged Hitler is widely praised for its compelling narrative and thorough research, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history. Readers appreciate its inspiring depiction of youth activism. However, some critiques mention a lack of character depth. Overall, it’s an engaging and educational read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Boys Who Challenged Hitler?

Readers who enjoy The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip M. Hoose are typically young adults and history enthusiasts captivated by true stories of courage and resistance. Similar audiences also appreciate The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pajamas for their poignant, historical narratives.

4.4

7,445 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Knud Pedersen

A determined and artistic teenager from Odense who becomes a key figure in the Danish resistance against Nazi occupation by founding the Churchill Club. He demonstrates a strong sense of patriotism and leadership.

Knud's calmer and more strategic older brother who plays an essential leadership role in the Churchill Club. He is an exceptional math student and studies engineering.

Knud and Jens's parents, known for their activism and opposition to the Nazis, who provide a supportive environment for their sons. They turn their home into a haven for resisters.

A well-dressed and courageous teenager of Jewish heritage who joins the Churchill Club. Despite his fears for his family's safety, he participates in sabotage activities.

Nicknamed "the Professor," he is a gifted physicist responsible for building explosives for the Churchill Club. His experiments eventually contribute to an important mission.

He joins the Churchill Club later and recruits friends from his model airplane club. His calm and trustworthy demeanor belies his anger, bravery, and dedication to the resistance.

One of Knud's first friends, who initially panics during sabotage missions but becomes more accustomed to the work. He successfully transfers weapons for the club.

The youngest and most reckless member of the Churchill Club known for his fearless and bold actions. His small and innocent appearance is deceptive.

An English teenager who admires Knud and befriends his family, providing crucial emotional support after the war. She raises funds for the resistance through her initiative.

A resistance unit in Odense created by Knud, Jens, and friends, inspired by the British Royal Air Force. They commit acts of sabotage against the German army on bikes.

The resistance group formed in Aalborg by the Pedersen brothers and others, known for their sabotage activities against the German occupation without resorting to violence.

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Denmark • 1940s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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