Synopses & Reviews
A teenager transforms from a schoolgirl to a spy in this true story of heroism in wartime.Suzanne David's everyday life is suddenly shattered in 1940 when a bomb drops on the main square of her hometown, the city of Cherbourg, France, killing a pregnant neighbor right in front of her. Until then the war had seemed far away, not something that would touch her or her teenage friends. Now Suzanne's family is kicked out onto the street as German soldiers take over their house as a barracks.
Suzanne clings to the one thing she really loves--singing. Her voice is so amazing that she is training to become an opera singer. As Suzanne travels around for rehearsals, cosume fittings, or lessons, she learns more about what the Nazis are doing and about the people who are "disappearing." Her travels are noticed by someone else, an organizer of the French Resistance. Soon Suzanne is a secret courier, a spy fighting for France and risking her own life for freedom.
From the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
From the Newbery Honor and Schneider Award-winning author of The War that Saved My Life comes For Freedom, the thrilling true story of one of France's youngest spies during World War II and perfect for fans of Code Name Verity and The Diary of Anne Frank.
Suzanne David's everyday life is suddenly shattered in 1940 when a bomb drops on the main square of her hometown, the city of Cherbourg, France, killing a pregnant neighbor right in front of her. Until then the war had seemed far away, not something that would touch her or her teenage friends. Now Suzanne's family is kicked out onto the street as German soldiers take over their house as a barracks.
Suzanne clings to the one thing she really loves--singing. Her voice is so amazing that she is training to become an opera singer. As Suzanne travels around for rehearsals, cosume fittings, or lessons, she learns more about what the Nazis are doing and about the people who are "disappearing." Her travels are noticed by someone else, an organizer of the French Resistance. Soon Suzanne is a secret courier, a spy fighting for France and risking her own life for freedom.
STAR] "This taut, engrossing World War II novel instantly immerses readers, ... but] the real focus, however, is the
skin-crawling suspense story about one of France's youngest spies. Each chapter brings new intrigue and often shocking revelations...resonat ing] with authenticity, excitement, and heart."-
Booklist, Starred
STAR] "
This suspenseful novel, ...based on a true story, moves swiftly into action...Filled, but not laden, with the events of the war, and peppered with French language and the culture of music, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy history and espionage."-
SLJ, Starred
STAR] "Based on Bradley s interviews with the real Suzanne, this is
an exciting account of a girl s coming of age in a scary time. The historical context is neatly woven into the story."-
Kirkus Reviews, Starred
"
The action will have readers on the edge through the tense conclusion, and the epilogue is not to be missed."-
The Bulletin "A
highly compelling look at the covert battle for freedom."-
Publishers Weekly An IRA Teachers' Choice
An ALA Amelia Bloomer Selection
A VOYA Top Shelf Fiction Selection
A New York Public Library Book Pick
A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year From the Hardcover edition."
Reading Group Guide
The Reality of War
Social studies classes study the worlds wars and the impact war has on a global society. Students learn about ancient wars and the more modern wars that have been fought in the name of freedom. They know about the American Revolution, the Civil War, and World Wars I and II. Some students know about the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Persian Gulf War. Before the events of September 11, 2001, students in Americas schools knew little about the personal tragedies related to war. War was simply something that happened in books, in another time, and on foreign lands. Now, war surrounds them-on television, radio, and in film. Some know firsthand what it feels like to lose a parent to terrorists, and others wait eagerly in front of the television in hopes of gaining a glimpse of a family member or friend who may be in the Iraqi desert or on the streets of Baghdad. Like the main characters in the novels in this guide, the innocence of Americas children has been marked by violence. A new page of history is being written every day, and it is being done before the eyes of the worlds youngest citizens.
For this reason, it is extremely important that parents and teachers talk with children about war, and offer hope that the world might someday find a peaceful solution to global conflict. Sometimes it is difficult to find the words to explain the complex issues of war, but books are always a good way to spark understanding and conversation. This guide offers discussion for the following books: The Gadget by Paul Zindel; Girl of Kosovo by Alice Mead; Lord of the Nutcracker Men by Iain Lawrence; Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers, adapted for young people by Michael French; Forgotten Fire by Adam Bagdasarian; and For Freedom by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
Pre-Reading Activity
Engage students in a discussion about the recent war in Iraq, and how it was reported in the news. Divide the class into three groups, and assign each group one of the major newspapers or magazines to read. Ask that they read a few issues of the publications during the time of the war and take note of the major headlines, the views of the journalists, etc. Allow students time at the end of each week to share their findings. What conclusions can be drawn about the role of journalists in war?
1. Suzanne says, “I didnt want to let the war affect me.” (p. 13) How does Suzanne try to avoid the affects of the war? Explain her fathers comment, “Obey the rules and no one gets hurt.” (p. 31) How does Suzanne violate her fathers warning?
2. Describe the mood in Cherbourg, France, on May 29, 1940. How does witnessing a bomb attack change the lives of Suzanne and her friend Yvette? Suzanne says, “Of all the sadness the war had brought, Yvette was the worst for me.” (p. 43) How is Yvette a war casualty? In the beginning, Suzanne goes to see Yvette often, but she grows to dread her visits. She says, “I went only for the sake of her mother.” (p. 124) Discuss why Yvettes mother needs Suzanne.
3. What are the qualities of a good spy? Discuss how Dr. Leclerc knows that Suzanne will be a good spy. How does Suzanne maintain her bravery during her days as a spy? Discuss whether Suzanne ever considered that she was putting her family in danger. What is her fathers reaction when he learns that she has been a spy? How is he both afraid and proud?
4. The Germans force Suzanne and her family to leave their house. Suzanne says, “I wished I had taken my baby album from the house and left my winter coat behind.” (p. 83) Discuss why childhood memories are so important to her. How do childhood memories contribute to her willingness to become a spy? Suzanne says, “For many years I tried to forget the things that happened to me in the war, but now I find I want to remember.” (p. 181) Why are these memories so important to her as an adult?
5. Contrast the way Suzanne and her family learns news about the war to the way the world hears news about war today.
6. Suzanne receives the Croix de Lorraine from General Charles de Gaulle for her work during the French Resistance. How does this medal honor her courage? Why is she so proud that de Gaulle knows who she is?
For more activities on Images of War, see these titles: For Freedom by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Lord of the Nutcracker by Iain Lawrence, Girl of Kosovo by Alice Mead, Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers adapted for young people by Michael French, The Gadget by Paul Zindel, and Forgotten Fire by Adam Bagdasarian.
Prepared by Pat Scales, Director of Library Services, the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, SC.