Book Reviews

Picture

"In this companion to Code Name Verity (2012), readers meet American Rose Justice, who ferries Allied planes from England to Paris. The first quarter of the book, which begins in 1944, describes Rose’s work, both its dangers and its highs. It also makes the connection between Rose and the heroine of the previous book, Julie, through their mutual friend, Maddie. Despite the vagaries of war, things are going pretty well for Rose, so hearts drop when Rose is captured. It first seems Rose’s status as a pilot may save her, but she is quickly shipped off to Ravensbrück, the notorious women’s concentration camp in Northern Germany. The horror of the camp, with its medical experimentation on Polish women—called rabbits—is ably captured. Yet, along with the misery, Wein also reveals the humanity that can surface, even in the worst of circumstances..."  ---Ilene Cooper for Booklist
​
"Rich in detail, from the small kindnesses of fellow prisoners to harrowing scenes of escape and the Nazi Doctors’ Trial in Nuremberg, at the core of this novel is the resilience of human nature and the power of friendship and hope."   --- Kirkus Review

"Rose Under Fire is a beautiful, captivating novel that manages to bring hope to a sad story and brings the terror of war to life. It will certainly stay vivid in readers' minds long after they have closed the book. Young adult literature needs more historical fiction like this! I would highly recommend it to anyone ages 12 and up."   ---The Guardian

Awards
  • Schneider Family Book Award Winner
  • Josette Frank Award Winner
  • Boston Globe/Horn Book Award Honor Book
  • Golden Kite Award Honor Book
  • Shortlisted for the UK Literary Association Award