A Way Through The Sea

Young Underground #1

by Robert Elmer

For eleven-year-old Peter Andersen and his twin sister Elise, living in the city of Helsingor, Denmark during World War 2 means German soldiers in the streets, German patrol boats in the harbor, and German fighter planes in the sky. Everyone is nervous, especially their Jewish friend Henrik and his parents. Of course, before the invasion, no one in Denmark cared whether a person was Jewish. But now the Nazis are secretly rounding up all of the Jews who live in Denmark and sending them to prison camps in Germany. Suddenly, Henrik and his family must escape! Sweden offers the only place of refuge, but with soldiers lurking the streets and Nazi boats patrolling the sea, only a miracle can get the Jews to safety!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Middle Grade, Christian Fiction, Historical, Childrens

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 1994

About the author

Robert Elmer is the author of more than fifty books, including contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience, nonfiction devotionals like Piercing Heaven and Fount of Heaven (Lexham Press), and seven series for younger readers. Among kids, he is best known for his historicals such as the Young Underground, Adventures Down Under, Life Behind the Wall, and Promise of Zion books. When he's not at the keyboard, he enjoys beachcombing and travel with his wife, and spending time with their three kids and families.

Reviews

[Lydia Willcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what I was getting into when I saw this book was free and remembered having seen it recommended before. I saw I had added it to my TBR, but I didn't remember anything I'd read about it. I wasn't at all sure what to expect, but wow - I just couldn't put it down!
Although advertised as a middle-grade book, this is most definitely a book that older readers can enjoy and hardly notice its being middle grade. I found it extremely gripping and never once found myself becoming bored or losing interest in the story! An unusual setting in turbulent times, wonderful characters, and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat - I loved it so much!
The only thing I think could have been better done was the dialogue, which was both modern and American-sounding. Considering that the characters are actually supposed to be talking in Danish, though, I didn't mind it as much as I usually do. I eventually got so sucked into the story that I learnt to ignore it, and so although I think it could have been improved it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all.
The ending left me both satisfied and wishing I had the next book. For the first book in a series, it was an excellent ending. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest! I have a feeling this could very easily be a favourite series. Definitely recommend!

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written for a middle-grade audience, but it kept me on the edge of my seat! It was a truly wonderful story about how the Danish citizens of Denmark banded together and managed to save many Jews from German atrocities during WW2.
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for younger readers and teenagers a like. The ending was intense as Peter and Elise helped their Jewish friend, Henrik, across the waters from Denmark to Sweden. Sometimes the speech seemes to American, but other than that it was a great read!

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I am again, beginning yet another Robert Elmer series. And I am completely enthralled in it.

Let me tell you a bit of the storyline.
Peter & Henrik are two friends that enjoy using Morse Code with each other, and also homing pigeon races--always with a special note attached to their birds. Peter's sister, Elise, also has her own homing pigeon, but lately she's not as adventurous as she used to be.

The problem is that this is Denmark, in the middle of World War II. Coded messages and birds carrying notes are mighty suspicious things--especially to those German soldiers who are always hanging around the corner. Henrik's family is Jewish, and so far the Jewish people have not been bothered in Denmark, but at anytime, everyone knows that plans could change overnight for the Jews...

This was an excellent, superb read.
It has left me to anticipating for book #2 so badly!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good children's retelling about the Danes ferrying the Danish Jews to safety in Sweden. The story centers on a pair of twins and thier Jewish friend. While the story is boy-centric, the sister is well drawn and seen as just as brave as her brother. There is no sex or violence.

[Carina Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

My middle grade self absolutely adored this book. I'm not sure how many times I re-read it. Squeaky clean with a Christian message. Set during WWII.

[SarahO · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom read this series to me and my siblings when I was a kid. I remember really enjoying them so, a little while back, I started collecting them, and I now own the whole series! this was the first time I've read this since then, and though middle grade is not my favorite age range to read, I did enjoy this story and was on pins and needles towards the end! I'm glad I was able to find this series after all these years.

[Kate Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how well-written and historically interesting this was. I especially appreciated how it was respectful of the Jewish faith without trying to convert them and also included Christianity. Very cool.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUMMARY: For eleven-year-old Peter Andersen and his twin sister Elise, living in the city of Helsingor, Denmark during World War 2 means German soldiers in the streets, German patrol boats in the harbor, and German fighter planes in the sky. Everyone is nervous, especially their Jewish friend Henrik and his parents. Of course, before the invasion, no one in Denmark cared whether a person was Jewish. But now the Nazis are secretly rounding up all of the Jews who live in Denmark and sending them to prison camps in Germany. Suddenly, Henrik and his family must escape! Sweden offers the only place of refuge, but with soldiers lurking the streets and Nazi boats patrolling the sea, only a miracle can get the Jews to safety!

REVIEW: An excellent children's book for upper elementary grades. Mr. Elmer's writing pulls you right into the lives of Peter, Else and Henrik. You can feel, hear, and see all that the children are experiencing. Great historical detail regarding the Danish underground and their work to save almost all the Danish Jews during World War II. This book would be a great introduction to the resistance movement during World War II as well as a lead-in to discussion of discrimination.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Since I've become a Christian a few years ago, I've learned that it's wrong to lie, period. The Bible says so. But the Bible also tells the story of a woman who hid two Jewish spies during a war, and the she lied to the authorities about which way they went....In the New Testament, there's a mention of the woman again. And it says she did the right thing."

[Dan Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I was in elementary school I have always enjoyed reading books set in Europe during WWII. This one, set in Denmark in 1943 revolves around the Andersen family, Peter, Elise, and their parents, and Peter & Elise's friend Henrik Melchior whose family is Jewish. As you might expect, the key conflict to the story is the Nazis rounding up of Jews to ship them extermination camps. As I read this story I thought quite often of Lois Lowry's Newberry Medal book "Number the Stars." Although the story line is quite similar I found the book to be enjoyable and engaging. Those who have read Lowry's book may not to want to read this one due to the close similarities between the two works. However, should one choose to read it, I don't believe that they will be disappointed in the quality of the author's work. This one is worth the time spent enjoying it.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

My personal rating is four stars, but my eleven year old loved it so much I'm giving it her rating. This is a great way to introduce WWII to children. No violence or horror scenes to scare them, but enough truth to help them understand Hitler's hate fir the Jews. The book gives part of a Jewish Celebration, and it talks about the plan of salvation.

The Uncle is the main one who works for the underground. The historical backdrop is true which I love. I highly recommend this book as a children's read, and I'm thrilled to have been told about it!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always have a special spot for stories about the Jews in World War II. And the story of how the Danish people rallied around their neighbors is especially moving. This book is written more for children so it's not as captivating to an adult reader as others might be, but it's still vey good. The beginning is a little slow, with some pigeon racing stuff, but once it gets into the actual story of helping Jewish friends escape the interest level picks up.

[Kansas City Southern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was written for teen readers, so it was overly explanatory in some respects, and a little too childish for an adult read. Still, I enjoyed the story, the struggle and the endearing nature of this Hitler-era fictional tale. A Way Through The Sea brings home the burden and pain inflicted on the children of the era.

[Caelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good, from the first page I was interested. I learned a lot about the Danish Resistance, and I thought it was amazing that while so many other countries in Europe didn't do anything to help the Jews, the Danish people worked very hard and many Danish Jews got out safely.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved reading WWII fiction novels but normally the ones I read take place as a Jewish person on the ghettos. This one instead was about Danish Jews and it also showed a very valuable life lesson- the power of friendship. All in all this book was fantastic.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I "read" this book, was when a teacher read it to the class when I was in... probably fourth grade. I really enjoyed it. Great historical adventure!

[Amanda Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this series!!! My church library had them. I read all of them and still remember parts of them though I read them in 96/97!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Began reading this series to my children. Great story, quite a bit of adventure. Looking forward to the next one!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of friendship and courage. This novel is the first book in a series about the occupation of Denmark by the Nazis and those who helped their Jewish neighbors escape to Sweden.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m being generous giving this book three stars, and I did so out of appreciation for a book that gives readers a glimpse into the heroic and selfless actions of the Danish people in helping their Jewish citizens - nearly all of them! - evade capture by the Nazis. It is a story that deserves to be told. WWII era stories are some of my favorites, and I have read many, many accounts from different countries during that time, both fiction and true accounts. This felt much too modern in it’s writing. The word choices and a few other things simply didn’t give it the authenticity that I have come to expect from historical fiction. Even the references to the children’s “mom” and “dad” made the book sound too modern American instead of 1940’s Danish. The Morse code messages between Peter and Henrick were overly conversational and wordy. Anyone who has ever sent coded messages, or can even use their imagination in doing so, would recognize the need to be concise, not to mention having the additional risk of being seen by German patrols.

There was a fair amount of time dedicated to the characters’ carrier pigeons, and readers may expect them to have a pivotal role in the story. When they do not, it’s a bit anticlimactic.

As a middle grade book, it was likely difficult to balance explaining some of the happenings of WWII while being sensitive enough for young readers. However, this book could have included more explanation. A middle-grader just learning about WWII wouldn’t glean much from this book.

All in all, after pre-reading this book for my daughter, it isn’t one that I will add to her reading lost. There are much better options for her in this genre.

[Patricia S Winchel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a fantastic book but I did enjoy it. The only thing I hated is that it left me hanging...knowing that there was another book coming as a sequel. I like books that you can enjoy as they are. But Miss Charity was a wonderfully unique character and I liked her. I truly loved the southern flavor of the characters (I am a northerner). The drama and suspense kept my interest. I would read the sequel.

[Hannah (Fully Booked Penguin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the faith aspects, and while the idea of 11 year olds performing all these feats is a little unbelievable, it also shows the maturity children were forced into by the war.
Felt the anxiety and felt the neighbourly care and willingness to risk their lives to help.
It did make me cry.

[Corinne Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was quite a page turner, and a perfect ww2 book for juvenile to young-adult readers! It really made my heart beat a couple times, and it felt like I was there too--because of how descriptive the author was in describing things. I can't wait to read more books by this author :))

[Jennifer Ritchie]

Content seems fine, but the writing is sub-par. If you want some good middle grade WWII fiction, I’d suggest Hilda Van Stockum’s books, Kate Albus’s “A Place to Hang the Moon,” or Constance Savery’s “Enemy Brothers.”

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in the series--excellent storyline with the right amount of suspense!

[Thea N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

This book kept me on the edge of my seat, however the beginning was a little slow. I didn't want to put the book down.

[Michal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with Zoe and then she finished the series. It was good, a little cheesy but fine for 8 year olds. I still like Number the Stars more.

[Deon]

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[Katie Seehusen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to Number the Stars, it tells the story of the Danish Resistance with children as the main characters. I don’t love it as much as NTS, but am curious to read others in the series.

[Emma Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes a long time to develop the plot and might be discouraging to some reluctant readers. However, it gives students a great perspective to look at World War ll through the eyes of someone their own age.

Ideas
Voice

LEXILE: N/A
ATOS: 5.0