The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was formed in July 1940 \- its mission: to send agents into occupied Europe to conduct covert operations against Allied enemies. Many of these agents were women and girls. MY STORY: CODENAME CELINE tells the thrilling tale of 'Celine', a young teenager, desperate to do her bit towards the war effort. Parachuted into occupied France to help the Resistance, Celine finds herself on the front line of fierce and terrifying fighting \- will she be able to keep her nerve and complete her mission before it's too late?
Jim Eldridge is the author of many books for children, including titles in the My Story series, the Warpath books, and How to Handle Grown-Ups. He has had 250 TV scripts broadcast in the UK and internationally for children's and teen television, and is also the creator and writer of Radio 4's long-running comedy-drama series, King Street Junior.
One of my favourite books now, it's an amazng representation of what women can do and it was so very exciting I could read it for days on end. I really enjoyed reading it, it made me feel better all the time :)
A bit of a flat-footed novella, most likely aimed at young teenagers, telling the story of Celine, a newly recruited member of Britain's SOE. We hear about her recruitment, training and selection for a mission with the French French Resistance to destroy a bridge in Nazi occupied France. Everything's on one level, limited characterisation and a not-very-interesting plot.
It's been a long while since I read a YA novel. What a wonderful way to introduce young people to the truths about WW2. Very well written. I will look for more of Mr. Eldridge's books.