99 pages • 3 hours read
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208
Biography • Nonfiction
Denmark • 1940s
2015
YA
10-14 years
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
7,445 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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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.
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.
7,445 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jens Pedersen
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.
Margrethe and Edvard Pedersen
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.
Eigil Astrup-Frederiksen
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.
Mogens Fjellerup
Nicknamed "the Professor," he is a gifted physicist responsible for building explosives for the Churchill Club. His experiments eventually contribute to an important mission.
Uffe Darket
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.
Helge Milo
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.
Børge Ollendorff
The youngest and most reckless member of the Churchill Club known for his fearless and bold actions. His small and innocent appearance is deceptive.
Patricia Bibby
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.
The RAF Club
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 Churchill Club
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.
208
Biography • Nonfiction
Denmark • 1940s
2015
YA
10-14 years
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