Shadow on the Mountain

Apr 02, 2013 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bullies, community, cultural-identity, death, families, friendship, heroes, holocaust, multiple-narrators, nbgs-2013, school, war

Based on the true story of Norwegian spy Erling Storrusten, part of the Resistance during the Holocaust, this title is sure to inspire young readers to their own acts of heroism while reminding them of the price of resisting the Nazis. Espen is only fourteen when he begins delivering newspapers that contradict the propaganda being spun by the Germans. As he is drawn further into the dangerous work, he comes closer and closer to being caught even while his family and the rest of the villagers are...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

A well-written young adult novel about the Nazi occupation of Norway. Preus uses young teenage boys who have grown up together as her protagonists. We follow them as they gradually understand what it means to be "occupied" by a cruel master whose demands become more and more devastating to their families and how they change life in Norway. Told primarily be Espen, fourteen when the novel opens, readers experience their reactions to the Nazi's increasingly cruel treatment of all Norwegians. While...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Cleo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned-books, review-copy

Set in World War II, this is about the resistance against the Nazis in Norway, which was invaded. The main character, Espen, is 14 years old when the war starts, and becomes an avid member of the rebellion. He goes from delivering illegal newspapers to being a courier, and finally, a spy. He spends five years doing this during the Nazi rule, and he makes new friends, while losing many of his own friends, falls in love, and makes one mistake. So he must escape, and ski over the mountains to Swede...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Beverly rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: 11-14 year olds

Recommended to Beverly by: Best Books for Young Adults/ala.org

There has been such a plethora of outstanding YA histoical fiction the last few years, including Margi Preus' Heart of a Samurai, that I had high hopes for Shadow on the Mountain. It did not live up to my expectations. It was okay, but not particularly memorable. There were some great elements such as the conversations between Espen and one of his best friends who is working with the Nazis. Both boys feel strongly that they are doing what is best for Norway. Their conversations provide some pers...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Shonna Froebel rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is an historical novel aimed at children, set in occupied Norway during World War II. The main character Espen is 14 when the novel begins and starts out delivering underground newspapers. He then becomes a courier and later a spy. Espen is based on the real life Erling Storrusten.
Most of the story is from Espen's point of view, but some chapters are also from the point of view of another young man, Aksel, who joins the German side and some chapters are from Espen's little sister Ingrid.
Th...more

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Sep 29, 2012 christa added it

If I had read Margi Preus’s young adult novel “Shadow on the Mountain” when I was 10, instead of 37, you would find me right now up to my elbows in homemade newspapers written in invisible ink and a bookshelf filled with my own personal spy journals.

“9.29.12: Dear Spy Journal, Subject has backed his car into his driveway and is now standing at the front window watching me. Wife has just snuck outside in her robe to deposit empty bottles of liquor into the recycling can. Must buy package of fake...more If I had read Margi Preus’s young adult novel “Shadow on the Mountain” when I was 10, instead of 37, you would find me right now up to my elbows in homemade newspapers written in invisible ink and a bookshelf filled with my own personal spy journals.

“9.29.12: Dear Spy Journal, Subject has backed his car into his driveway and is now standing at the front window watching me. Wife has just snuck outside in her robe to deposit empty bottles of liquor into the recycling can. Must buy package of fake mustaches.”

Preus’s historical novel-based-on-fact is the story of Espen, a teenaged soccer player living in Norway during the German Occupation. In the first scene he is on an super-secret errand, delivering underground newspapers. He’s intercepted by a car full of German soldiers who reserve the right to question his destination and search his backpack. He constructs a quick lie that corresponds with the jar of jam in his bag, and escapes unscathed with the newspapers still hidden in his wool socks.

Things grow pretty grim in his small town. They are under constant threat of being questioned, searched, imprisoned or killed. Rationing has made food scarce, especially the good stuff. His longtime best friend Kjell seems to be sympathizing with Hitler. So is the team’s most vile bully. Teachers are being arrested and his soccer team is about to become part of a mandatory Nazi sports association. Espen, whose eager to do anything to help his countrymen, and some guys from the soccer team create an underground shelter for covert ops.

He moves up the ranks. He’s got a code name and he’s been running errands. His little sister Ingrid is keeping a journal, although it is against the law, and doing some of her own wheeling and dealing. Her father is monitoring packages through his job at the post office. Espen figures out who he can trust and who is watching him and who he is supposed to hand off information to. He has some close calls and engages in some ski chases. More often than not, he subscribes to the idea of staying in plain sight and playing stupid when he’s questioned.

This story, which is based on the true experiences of Erling Storrusten, is so so so exciting. It’s also an interesting look at the way WWII affected Norway and how it divided even the best of friends. It’s also got a cute little love story, also true, between Espen and the young girl who rebels by wearing a red hat to show her support for her country. While it's Espen who stars, it's also got a great character in his sister Ingrid, who shows the importance of recording the events. (less)

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Jul 19, 2012 Alex Baugh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: world-war-2

Margi Preus has written lots of books for young people, including the Heart of a Samurai, a 2011 Newbery Honor Award winner. This fall she has another wonderful book coming out about a young boys participation in the Norwegian Resistance in World War II.
Shadow on the Mountain begins in October 1940, five months after the German invasion and occupation of Denmark and Norway on April 19, 1940 and finishes just before the war ends. It is written from the perspective of Espen, 14, his younger siste...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, multicultural-titles, young-adult-books-i-would-recommend

Review of an advance copy:

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this one. After all, I had liked Margi Preus' Heart of a Samurai, but I hadn't loved it. This one, however, I did love. It was well-written and gripping. I liked that the main character was a teen and I especially liked seeing how he and his various friends feel about the Nazi occupation. There's a particularly memorable moment when he and a former best friend both admit that they were trying to make the world better despite the fact...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Cassi aka Snow White Haggard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, yay-history, galleys

3.5/5 stars

Shadow on the Mountain is set in WW2 but it's not one of the stories we're used to hearing. It's not about Germany, death-camps and Jews are only mentioned a couple of times. This is the story of occupied Norway during WW2. I always enjoy books that give me a new perspective on history I thought I knew. If Norway was covered at all in any of my world history classes, it was just a footnote.

There's a lot to like about Shadow on the Mountain. The story is engaging and interesting, whil...more 3.5/5 stars

Shadow on the Mountain is set in WW2 but it's not one of the stories we're used to hearing. It's not about Germany, death-camps and Jews are only mentioned a couple of times. This is the story of occupied Norway during WW2. I always enjoy books that give me a new perspective on history I thought I knew. If Norway was covered at all in any of my world history classes, it was just a footnote.

There's a lot to like about Shadow on the Mountain. The story is engaging and interesting, while being grounded in real history. Even when occupied, the Norwegian resistance continues undermining the German authority. Sometimes it's in small ways, refusing to complete a ski race the Germans made mandatory, but as the war continue the main character Espen becomes more and more involved. He starts by carrying illegal newspapers for the resistance, helping keep the Norwegians informed about the real news not the Nazi propaganda.

The biggest flaw in this book is that the character reads much younger than he is. Throughout most of the book Espen is nearly 16, but until someone mentioned his age I was convinced he was 12. Maybe the author intends for a younger audience to read this book, I don't know, but Espen never felt his age. His youth is emphasized so many times early in the book, he's the youngest on his soccer team, the resistance talks about how young he is, he seems baffled by girls, etc. The age-confusion hurts character development.

The way time passed in this novel did not help my confusion about Espen's age. Within a few pages a day could pass or a year could pass. At the beginning of chapter headers there were occasionally years, but one chapter could take place in 1940 and the next skip to 1942 in a blink of an eye.

This book handled the Nazis well. The writer took effort to humanize them, showing that they weren't all just mindless drones but often conscripted soldiers and people. This is not to say that it minimized that evil that happened. The book showed guards who would look the other way while Ingrid fed prisoners, and she sympathized with how lonely they must feel when the Norwegians ignored even polite conversation. I tend to think the world isn't completely black and white, and the novel showed Nazi soldiers who were still human. Part of me wishes the main villain, a Norwegian boy who joined the Nazis, had been more humanized. He was more simplistic and cruel for the sake of cruelty than I would like.

Though there are some flaws in this book, it was a really interesting read. It managed to tell a new story about WW2 while being engaging, at times funny and completley readable.

An advance reading copy was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. (less)

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Jul 30, 2012 Arianna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, middle-grade-fiction

Shadow on the Mountain, by Margi Preus, is just as good as her first novel, Heart of a Samurai. The two books are not companions to each other, but they are written in the same style and are both well-research historical fiction novels for the reader 10 years old and up. Note that Shadow on the Mountain is not to be released until September 2012. I highly recommend it for those of you who enjoy reading historical fiction and/or read Margi Preus’ first book. Shadow on the Mountain is about the bo...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Marten rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: drama, read-for-teaching

I found the novel to be a very well-paced story that kept me engaged to the very end of the book. The story of Epsen and his friends in the little town in Norway during World War 2 is a great story of bravery and maturity. This is definitely a book about a boy evolving into an adult. Epsen is also not the classic hero figure. He is not physically strong,wears glasses and often has to consider if he is doing to right thing. He wants to be part of the resistance movement and struggles with the cha...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Patrick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, world-war-ii, young-adult

This 5-star rating takes into account how fascinating I found the history of the Nazi occupation of Norway. The story was a solid 4-star anyway, but the similarities and differences of how the Nazis treated Norway compared to other countries and how the populace resisted were so interesting.

The Nazis had this total cognitive dissonance thing going on: they thought the Norwegians were the ideal example of the Aryan race, but at the same time thought they were stupid. They honestly thought the No...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Eric rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a great historical fiction book about a 14-year-old boy named, Espen who lives in Norway at the time when it was invaded by Nazi Germany. Eventually, Espen and his friends are wept up into the resistance movement, getting more and more involved throughout the book. Espen starts out by delivering illegal newspapers, then gets promoted tot courier, and finally becomes the high class of a spy. Additionally, one of Espen's classmates joins the Hitler youth program and forced to turn against...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Zohar - ManOfLaBook.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Shadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus is a historical fiction novel which comfortably fits in the YA category. This is a well researched and exciting book despite its intended audience.

Nazi Germany has swept through Norway, unseating the sit and government. Espen, a 14 year old Norwegian boy, decided to join the resistance movement and starts by delivering illegal newspapers, graduates to courier and finally is sent to spy on the Nazis.

During the Nazi régime, which las...more Shadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus is a historical fiction novel which comfortably fits in the YA category. This is a well researched and exciting book despite its intended audience.

Nazi Germany has swept through Norway, unseating the sit and government. Espen, a 14 year old Norwegian boy, decided to join the resistance movement and starts by delivering illegal newspapers, graduates to courier and finally is sent to spy on the Nazis.

During the Nazi régime, which lasted five years, Espen grows physically and emotionally, falls in love and loses friends. However, the life of a spy is in constant danger and Espen makes a mistake which forces him to flee his beloved country in a dangerous trek through the mountains to Sweden.

Shadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus takes place in Norway during World War II and follows the adventures of a boy named Espen. As any good historical fiction novel, the book combines actually historical events while exploring the emotional nature which these events caused.

Norway was an important target for the Nazi régime, not because of it is strategically importance, but because of their Aryan look. Hitler clearly hoped to "marry" Germany and Norway in order to produce his vision of the ultimate master race (blond hair, blue eyes and fair skin). However, many Norwegians were against everything the Nazis stood for and resisted bravely.

One interesting aspect of the book is that Ms. Preus takes pains to explore those Norwegians who supported the Nazis. From bullies who found their place among the Nazis, to Norwegians who believed they were picking the less of two evils (being conquered by Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia) and others who simply wanted to get a few extra rations for their families.

The novel runs throughout World War II, each chapter follows the life of four characters, Espen, who is the main protagonist, and his sister Ingrid, Espen's friend Kjell, and Askel the neighborhood bully. Each year which is documented is introduced with a relevant quote, either by a Nazi or an anti-Nazi Norwegian. The quote gives the reader a sense of what to expect from the chapter ahead.

While the story is about young men in times of great challenges, the author does not look down on its audience, but produced an edge-of-your-seat, well researched and documented work which has lessons relevant to today's turbulent times. Ms. Preus also incorporated a pronunciation guide (really, how do you pronounce Kjell?), a brief and relevant history of the era and more. I read a proof but I understand that the finish product will incorporate photos, maps and archival documents.

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Apr 14, 2013 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Robin by: the hub

Shelves: historical-fiction

This is a fast-moving adventure about young teens during the nazi occupation of Norway. A great introduction to the concepts of resistance and personal ethics. Does not delve too deeply into the gruesome details of WW 2. Appropriate (and interesting) for kids 10 and up, even for kids who don't think they are interested in the history. Some Norwegian vocabulary is used throughout the story but it is always in context and is not a block to understanding what is happening. There is some choppiness...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Tamarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, ra-new

YA Pre
historical fiction, crossover JF-YA
Shadow on the Mountain recounts the adventures of a 14-year-old Norwegian boy named Espen during World War II. After Nazi Germany invades and occupies Norway, Espen and his friends are swept up in the Norwegian resistance movement. Espen gets his start by delivering illegal newspapers, then graduates to the role of courier and finally becomes a spy, dodging the Gestapo along the way. During five years under the Nazi regime, he gains—and loses—friends, fal...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Mieneke rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, historical-fiction, children-s

I have a big soft spot for WWII stories as my dad used to read lots of them to me when I was little and it sparked a, thus far, life-long interest in the subject. I've read lots of books, be it children's books, fiction, or non-fiction, on the war in Western Europe, mostly from either a Dutch, British or American slant. I also know some about the events in South-East Asia as my grandparents were there, but beyond those territories I'm not terribly well-informed. So beyond the fact that they were...more I have a big soft spot for WWII stories as my dad used to read lots of them to me when I was little and it sparked a, thus far, life-long interest in the subject. I've read lots of books, be it children's books, fiction, or non-fiction, on the war in Western Europe, mostly from either a Dutch, British or American slant. I also know some about the events in South-East Asia as my grandparents were there, but beyond those territories I'm not terribly well-informed. So beyond the fact that they were occupied by the Germans, I didn't really know what the war was like in Norway. When I saw Shadow on the Mountain on the Book Smugglers' Radar, I knew this was a book for me.

Shadow on the Mountain tells the story of a teenage boy called Espen during the German occupation of Norway. Told rather episodically, the narrative covers five years running from October 1940 until February 1945; there are some links between the different periods, but because the book covers five years a lot of time gets skipped. While the book focuses on Espen, we also get chapters told from the point of view of Ingrid, Espen's sister, and Aksel, one of the boys on Espen's soccer team who joins up with the Germans. Espen and Ingrid are lovely and won't let themselves be forced into acquiescing to German occupation without a fight, while Aksel is a haughty, ambitious and ruthless character, who aims to get a high position within the Nazi party whatever the cost. The author does try to humanise him, showing that he chose this path to take care of his mother and to fight against the Russians, who killed his father. Still, it doesn't really take away from his unpleasant character and there is even a sense that his own mother is appalled at the choices her son makes. I also kept wondering at her, as there was a sense that she might not just disapprove of her son's actions, but might even be using what he tells her to work against him. It was a reminder that people aren't always what they seem to be; a theme that is reiterated by how Kjell's story is told.

Espen is supported by some amazing characters. First of all, there is Ingrid, his little sister, who has the most indomitable spirit. She personifies the importance of even the smallest act of rebellion against the oppressor and the fact that kindness is always a good thing and will beget kindness. She brings some of the prisoners of war who are interned at a camp nearby food and in doing so, not only helps those poor starving souls in the camp, but also allows the author to make the point that not all German soldiers were evil, that a lot of them were no more than conscripted young boys, who had no more desire to be there than that the Norwegians wanted them there. Ingrid is joined by Tante Marie, the wise old woman who is Espen's contact in the Resistance, Solveig, Espen's girlfriend, who shows that no matter the circumstances people will fall in love regardless and the boys of Oleanna, who are part of Espen's resistance cell.

Shadow on the Mountain doesn't really have a plot with a beginning, a middle and an end. Instead, it gives us episodes and vignettes from Espen's life during the war, showing us what it was like for regular people during the war. It is a story about doing what is right, about being brave in the face of danger and knowing that even small things can make a difference. The book shows the importance of compassion, kindness and humanity when confronted by inhumanity and horror. Most importantly, it shows that it isn't always the people you expect it to be who turn out to be the heroes and that everyone can be a hero.

Since they weren't included in my eARC of the book, I can't comment on the archival photographs, maps, and other images, however, I adore the use of visual matter to support children's stories. When I was a child I loved books with photos and pictures in them – I still do – and I know from watching the children in my surroundings and even my own two that visuals really help in keeping their attention on a book. So Shadow of the Mountain already gets a huge bonus for using them, but I can't comment on how well they use them and what kind of photo's are there.

Over the past six and a half decades there have been many books published recounting the history of the Second World War, but it's a story that bears retelling time and again, as its lessons should never be forgotten. Shadow of the Mountain tells the story from an interesting new angle and shows us the importance of humanity and compassion. Its lack of straightforward plot lets it down a little, however its characters make up for it. The book will draw in its middle grade audience and hopefully inspire them to search out more war narratives or even read some of the important non-fiction out there for kids. This book wasn't written for an adult audience, it was definitely written for kids, but if you are drawn to WWII stories, you might still enjoy this. Otherwise, it will make a great present for the middle grade or younger YA readers of your acquaintance.

This book was provided for review by the publisher.(less)

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Mar 22, 2013 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, school-age, self-reflection, ya, war

This compelling book set in WWII Nazi occupied Norway tells the story of Espen and his work for the Norwegian resistance movement. Without being too graphic, details about the occupation are revealed. Care is taken to show the fractures found in Norway at the time: some Norwegians were active resistors, some were collaborators and some were just trying to get by however they could. This idea figures prominently in the story, as Espen and his best friend find themselves on opposite sides of the c...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Cathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 My daughter loved this book. She couldn't wait to put it into my hands and she kept asking me if I was enjoying it. Then we ended up having a great mother-daughter "book club" discussion when I was done. So kids will probably love it. I find the Nazi occupation of Norway fascinating. In fact the best part of the book for me was the epilogue, which tells the true story the book is based on. Shadow on the Mountain does tell a pretty compelling story of the Norwegian resistance to the Nazi's du...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Penny Peck rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-ya

A real page-turner, this historical fiction tween novel is based on the true story of teen resistance fighters in Norway in World War II. Espen and his sister Ingrid do small things to combat the Nazi invasion of Norway, from giving potatoes to political prisoners, to delivering secret papers. Most people (adults and children) don't know about Norway's role in the war - their country was quickly overrun by Nazis yet many Norwegians joined the underground, blew up facilities related to bomb produ...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shadow on the Mountain recounts the life of a Norwegian boy named Espen during World War II. After Nazi Germany invades and occupies Norway, Espen and his friends are swept up in the Norwegian resistance movement. During five years under the Nazi remgime, Espen gains and loses much while growing into a strong man.

Margi Preus combines actual events with those of the character Espen and his family. Giving a face and emotion to what happened and why some chose to resist or support the Nazi's in Nor...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Adrienne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Fourteen-year-old Espen wants to do something to help his beloved Norway become free from Nazi control. He joins a resistance movement and takes on increasingly difficult assignments, from transporting illegal newspapers to passing information about the layout of Nazi strongholds.

I don't think I've ever read a WWII set in Norway before, so I appreciated the chance to see things from the POV of a Norwegian resistance member, as well as the chance to experience the Norwegian setting. This story i...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Mary Farrell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Margi Preus is a beautiful writer and this is a beautiful book. It was very interesting to read about the Nazi occupation of Norway, which I had not done since "Snow Treasure" one of my favorite books as a child. Espen, the main character is an unlikely hero who risks his life for what he believes is right. The story is quiet compared to many books out there today and I'm happy to see the range of choices for kids expand to include a book like this. It has depth and will be treasured by serious...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Short chapters, fast read, exciting what's gonna happen next adventure. Espen, main character, undertakes ever more challenging "spy missions" on his bike, on skis in Nazi-occupied Norway. His sister,and friends, soccer mates are also involved, some with the Norwegian resistance, others join the Nazi youth groups. Based on the true experiences of Erling Storrusten, Shadow on the Mountain, is a believable, engaging read. Good for 4-8th graders, boys or girls. You really fell like you're in Norway...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Laura Salas rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s, middle-grade, historical-fiction

This is a fascinating book about Espen, a Norwegian teen who gets involved in the resistance movement when Germany invades Norway in WWII. I loved the historical setting (and I'm not even a big historical fiction fan)--Preus does an excellent job of working in vivid details that kept the story interesting and exciting. What I didn't care for as much was that it covers 5 years, and Espen doesn't draw me in as closely as I would like. It feels more like a book about the resistance movement than a...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Laura Phelps rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: possiblemsba2012

This latest offering from Preus tells the story of several young Norwegians shortly after the Nazis took control of Norway. Fourteen year old Espen becomes a member of the resistance, but his best friend and several of his soccer teammates join the Nazis. What I liked best about this book is the way that the very personal nature of the war was explored. Preus does a great job of getting into the heads of her characters and explaining their motives and actions. This will be a challenging, but tho...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Navdha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: it-was-okay-ish, not-very-happy, should-i-even-bother, yay-it-s-over

This is probably my third (or fourth?) WWII based book but from a different country’s perspective in under two months. I don’t know what it says about me; that I like to read people’s sufferings? Or that I just wanna know what people had to go through during those times? Or maybe I’m just a masochistic person who reads such books to intentionally feel sad. Whatever the reason be, I’m drawn to such books. I had been delaying reading Shadow on the Mountain because my hands were quite full with so...more This is probably my third (or fourth?) WWII based book but from a different country’s perspective in under two months. I don’t know what it says about me; that I like to read people’s sufferings? Or that I just wanna know what people had to go through during those times? Or maybe I’m just a masochistic person who reads such books to intentionally feel sad. Whatever the reason be, I’m drawn to such books. I had been delaying reading Shadow on the Mountain because my hands were quite full with so many new releases and pending reads. I had another book in mind to read today and then I realized that it had been a real long time since I had received the ARC and had not picked it up after second, third and many more glances. It was about damn time.

I’m not really impressed. It was really a kid’s read and not meant for me. About 4-5 years were covered in the book showing the reign of Nazis in Norwegian ground. Espen’s story is really nothing incredible, just a glimpse of how life changed for teenagers during the World War. It all went on for me as a lesson in history with no emotions for any character at face value. The one character that I actually liked was Ingrid, Espen’s sister; even though it is flummoxing to think that a ten-year old girl can understand so well what’s going on in her country to write about it in her diary with impeccable English (or Norwegian). Many things were left unsaid in the end. Even if the book was okay, bland but okay, for me, the ending has left a real bad taste in my mouth. I feel like I would have made progress with that other long book that I was planning to read tonight. *sigh* It’s just one of those days I guess.

I would like to know what happened to Espen’s dad, what happened to his other friends who escaped to Sweden or were arrested, what happened to Klejh and why he chose the path he did. Klejh’s characterization was more intriguing than Espen. What has left me even more confused is that why did the author cover Espen’s spying to map the German compound if nothing else of the plan was to be executed? One might say that she just wanted us to touch the outer rims of the steaming cup without letting us taste the goodness within (or that’s what I gather).. I mean, why leave an opportunity to cover so many other better aspects in the book for something so plain? This book could have been better on so many levels but it really failed to catch my attention. I had to resort to skimming which I hardly like doing, to see if anything of importance would happen. Alas, nothing happened.

I really didn’t have high expectations so there is no room for disappointment as such. Espen’s character could have been much better and more remarkable. He just came out as a lucky kid out of everything. His behaving as a dumb person did come in handy but I don’t even know what he looks like after the book is even over. Infact I have no idea how most of the characters look like and there are mere stick figurines in my head. Oh well, no faces to the character does leave me disappointed. So, yeah, a 2 star read for me.
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May 02, 2013 Scott Pilgrim rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Children Who Want To Know A Bit About WWII

Shelves: male-pov, historical-fiction, arc, amulet

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I have read tons of books that take place during the World War Two era yet I have never read anything quite like Shadow On The Million. This book takes place in Norway, I don't think I've ever read a book set there. Shadow On The Mountain is actually based on the true story of a wartime spy and I wonder how much of this book is actually factual.

Since Shadow On The Mountain is a book targeted towards children, I felt like Preus made things a bit unrealistic. Alot of t...more Check out my other reviews!
I have read tons of books that take place during the World War Two era yet I have never read anything quite like Shadow On The Million. This book takes place in Norway, I don't think I've ever read a book set there. Shadow On The Mountain is actually based on the true story of a wartime spy and I wonder how much of this book is actually factual.

Since Shadow On The Mountain is a book targeted towards children, I felt like Preus made things a bit unrealistic. Alot of the information about World War II and the Holocaust seemed extremely toned down and extremely unrealistic. I know this book is for kids but the way this book explains World War Two is overly simplified and not 100% true. Kids should know what the war was actually like because history mostly certainly repeats. I felt like Margi Preus was holding back while writing this book because of his audience but there are plenty of children's books that concisely explain WWII and the Holocaust (ie Number The Stars, Daniel's Story, The Boy With The Striped Pajamas).

The way the characters acted in this book struck me as atypical behaviour for children, children don't act the way Preus portrayed them. Something that really bothered me was Espen's relationship with his father because it was absolutely ridiculous. What father doesn't care at all that his son is on a dangerous mission? Your son's life is at risk and you don't even give him a proper goodbye or tell him to be safe?

Overall The Shadow On The Mountain tells a pretty interesting tale of Norway during WWII. It was fascinating to read about the war from a different angle than I've read. I wish the author had made the story more intense because the book felt way too light at times. I really don't think fart jokes belong in a book that deals with such a difficult and important topic. I understand that this book is for children and fart jokes are a form of comic relief but they didn't belong in this book and were extremely unnecessary. The ending of this book was decent but I felt like the ending was missing something. I would like to have read an extra chapter that dealt with the situation after the war.

The Shadow On The Mountain isn't a perfect book but I think children will find it interesting. This book doesn't have cross-over appeal and I feel like this book is too immature and light for most YA readers. I'm still interested in reading the author's other book, Heart Of A Samurai. (less)

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Feb 22, 2013 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, historical-fiction, kids, middle-grade, read-in-2013, reader-s-advisory, war, ya

Check this review out and others on my blog: Get Real.

Quick-paced and exciting historical fiction that focuses on a lesser-known aspect of World War II: the Norwegian resistance effort against the Nazis. Espen is based on a real-life Norwegian spy who started out delivering illegal newspapers as a teenager and eventually became a full-fledged covert operative. Margi Preus does a great job evoking the setting. I felt like I could envision the Alps perfectly. It was also a really interesting windo...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Karen Yingling rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

When the Nazis invade Norway, Espen decides to join the Resistance movement and is frequently called on to carry messages. While the privations of war are never as terrible as they are in some places, the Nazis infiltrate every aspect of life, and the Norwegians never let up in their opposition to them. Very few Norwegians, including a boyhood friend of Espen's, join with the Nazis, because they fear the Russians more, but in general, the Norwegians do everything they can to irk the Nazis. Espen...more

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