Hero at Dunkirk

by cross-vince

2010 sees the 70th anniversary of the evacuation of the allies at Dunkirk. The lives of 338,226 men were saved in 861 vessels. This story of one of the young men who aided in the evacuation is not heard for the very first time. Joe Read was only 15 years old wen he crossed the channel in his father's lifeboat, Brittanic, and braved artillery fire and German bombing to rescue British Expeditionary Forces.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, War, World War II, Childrens

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2010

Reviews

[Laura Hoyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on the real life story of Joe Read, the youngest member of a group of civilians who used their vessels to rescue thousands of soldiers at Dunkirk in WWII. I bought this book with a few of my students in mind. It gives a lot of lead up to the actual event, which I am not sure will capture the attention of some readers, but I am excited to share this book in my classroom library.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of British slang, which would be better if the story was told in first person, but it switches between second and third person.

[Stephanie Brady · Rating 2 out of 5]

very poor. only a couple of pages about Dunkirk. very disappointed

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dunkirk, 1940. Nazi soldiers trap thousands of Allied soldiers after the Battle of France. There’s no way out for them. Or is there? Maybe there’s one escape route that went through the ocean. Joe Read was only 15 years old went he crossed the channel in his father's lifeboat, Brittanic, and braved artillery fire and German bombing o evacuate the stranded soldiers in France. He was part of the mission that will save the lives of 338,226 men in 861 vessels. This is a real story that told in full in this unforgettable tale of the great Allied rescue described by Winston Churchill as “a miracle of deliverance.”
I watched the movie "Dunkirk" before I read this book. But, I like the book better because of that the book uses 15 years old kids to tell the story it is more Infectious power.

[Tyler L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was good, but it would be confusing at some parts. What I really liked about the book was how the author described the face's of the soldiers. What was also good about the book was how there were interesting parts such as a possible German spy. What is also good about this book was how the author described situations in the book, such as when a plane crashed close to a civilian boat and everyone said their prayers because they knew he was dead or going to die. This book was good in general, but it would bee a lot better if it wasn't confusing. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes war books or likes books about WWII.

[April Suter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reading for an elementary or jr. high student. It shares how teens felt in England during the beginning of WWII. It also tells the story without too much detail of how Joe Read helped his father and the Royal Navy save men at Dunkirk.

[Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good and it really puts you in the tone that you are in World War 2. The main character Joe is trying to lead a rescue group to save Britain and every ounce if this book is filled with detail besides being very small and every page really ment something to this book

[Travis Nolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young man named Joe Read during world war 2. It is about how his life is and what he does for Great Brittan with his father on there ship The New Britannic. And I must say it was a great read. And this story is based on a real story.

[Lance · Rating 1 out of 5]

For me personally i really disliked my book and it was really boring through almost the whole thing. Once they got to the war it was better but it still was pretty boring.

[Brandon Eyster · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Story Hero At Dunkirk is an excellent book. The author tells what actually occurred at Dunkirk but also makes up some of the story to make it engaging. I would recommend this book.

[Eva Greenova · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked it even though i dont normally read this genre

[Kate Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story telling
I enjoyed the stance at the end mentioning the reality of Dunkirk as not just a victory

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling reading, seen through the eyes of 15 year-old Joe Read, who was a real-life Dunkirk rescuer in 1940. Events depicted are real, but Joe's everyday life is portrayed in a more fictitious way. Vince Cross has done a great job of illuminating many little-known details of the desperate evacuation of the British army, whilst honouring Joe Read's epic contribution, and that of his family, friends and other civilians who risked their all and flocked to rescue their army.

[Jen]

did find this as good as the other stories

[Mavis Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a good feel for being on a Dunkirk little ship

[Devin Dwyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible book. I thought it was actually going to be about Dunkirk but there was only a few pages on it. I do not recommend this book