by Cyrus Fisher
First published 1948
Johnny travels to France to stay with his uncle during World War II. What begins as a family visit quickly becomes something far more serious when his uncle reveals his involvement in dangerous wartime activities. Johnny finds himself drawn into a frightening adventure that tests his courage and resourcefulness. The French countryside, still reeling from the war's impact, provides a backdrop of uncertainty and peril. Johnny must navigate not only the physical dangers around him but also his own fears and doubts. His relationship with his uncle deepens as they face threats together, but the boy discovers that wartime heroism comes at a steep price. The adventure forces Johnny to grow up quickly and confront realities he never imagined back home.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, war, adventure
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: France, French Countryside
Period: World War II
288 pages · Paperback · Scholastic