In 1940 the Nazis have invaded Britain which is now part of the Third Reich. German soldiers occupy every part of the land to enforce Hitler's rule. Three adolescent school boys are thrown together in a crowded household in Shevington a small village out of London. Frank went to his Nan's after his father goes missing on the night the German's came. Everyone assumes he is dead. Les and his sister Gill are ‘run aways' from London. They're afraid that the authorities will find them and split them up. Colin, Franks' cousin and his mum are also taking refuge in Nan's house.

The Third Reich takeover is insidious as well as brutal, and everyone is afraid. Some people yield to the takeover and become informants, others like Nan say "never give up". Frank accidentally comes across a "criminal" in a work party and meets an old friend. He tells Frank that he saw Frank's father in a similar work party up north only recently. Frank and Les try to find the whereabouts of Frank's dad, when they discover a group of ordinary citizens getting up to some interesting business, including Nan.

Frank and the wily Les become part of the resistance and realise there is extreme danger and the possibility that Britain can be freed. This book moves very slowly and the revealing of the resistance movement is peeled back layer by layer as the boys piece together the puzzle. The ending is exciting and inspiring. A great read for independent readers from 10 onwards.

Reviewer: Lesley Boon

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