Courageous: A Novel of Dunkirk

by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Aidan, and his best friend Sally, feel moved to take Aidan's father's boat to assist with the evacuation of troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. Aidan's parents do not approve and the two young friends have to sneak away in order to accomplish their goal. Aidan's primary motivator is the thought that his brother, George, may be at Dunkirk and Aidan wants to save/rescue him.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Middle Grade, Juvenile, War, Death, Novels

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2018

About the author

I live in Park Slope, Brooklyn and many of my novels take place here. But my new novel takes place in New Hampshire, and I have woven into it a historical component: the tragic story of Ruth Blay, who in 1768 was the last woman hanged in the state. When I read about Ruth, I was fascinated and horrified in equal measure, and I knew I had to write about her.
I was educated at Vassar College and Columbia University, where I studied art history. But I started writing fiction in my 20's and never looked back. I am the author of seven novels, 27 books for children and am the editor of two essay collections. I'm also the fiction editor of Lilith Magazine . Please visit my website, http://www.yonazeldismcdonough.com or find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yzmcdonough; I love to connect with readers everywhere.

Reviews

[Brooke W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book's non-stop action. It was an intriguing, well-told, and developed story. This is the story of Aiden and his brother George. George is fighting in WW2 and Aiden is a 12 yr old who doesn't believe that he has courage in a war where courage is necessary. When the government asks citizens to help Georges's troop, all Aiden wants to do is go rescue all the brave soldiers, his brother, but his parents forbid him to go. I've never read a historical fiction book with this type of story and I really enjoyed it! It is a short but fun read.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Aiden looks up. The sky that had been blue and cloudless only minutes ago is now dark and menacing.

Premise/plot: Courageous is a historical middle grade novel set in Britain focusing on Operation Dynamo (aka Dunkirk). Aiden has been scared of the sea ever since his older brother, Trevor, died during the war. This is a slight problem since his family's line of business is a sea one--fishing. When the call comes for every little boat to do her part--for the civilians to take action and help rescue the troops trapped in France, Aiden's parents say NO, NO WAY, NEVER, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Which is upsetting news for Aiden because his sole surviving brother, George, is one of the men needing rescuing. Their last letter from George--conveniently received earlier that day--places him right there at Dunkirk. Aiden sneaks out of the house and attends a village meeting. A few want to join in the effort--but just as many it seems wants to stay at home and not risk it. Aiden decides that he can play the stubborn game too. He will take his family's boat on his own--nearly on his own, with the help of his best friend, Sally--and go to France. It won't be easy--his parents lock him in his room. But stubborn is stubborn even if stubborn is not necessarily smart. (Too bad he's not smart enough to take food or extra patrol.)

Will Aiden and Sally be able to save George and other soldiers? Or will Aiden and Sally give up their lives in a heroic effort to do so?

My thoughts: I wish this one was not written in third person PRESENT tense. That's the first thought that comes to mind. The second is: how old is Aiden supposed to be?!

I am glad that civilians risked their lives and their livelihoods to come to the aid of the troops. It was a risky affair. If I come across as slightly cranky/skeptical it has more to do with this fictional story than the historical account.

I found this story full of conveniences--a few too many for my liking.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

“War leaves everyone crying, he realizes. There’s no way around it. Every single man, on either side of the fighting, is loved and cherished by people back home – wherever home happens to be. And the loss of life, anywhere, leaves a terrible hole in the hearts of all those people who are left behind.”

A fast-paced, action packed and poignant WW2 novel from the author of last year’s middle grade hit (and Bluebonnet Award Winner) THE BICYCLE SPY, COURAGEOUS is the story of a young boy who has experienced the tragic and lasting effects war can have on a family. Aiden’s oldest brother was killed at sea when a German U-boat torpedoed his navy ship, and now his middle brother is fighting abroad in France. Aiden’s once joyful home now bears the burden of loss and constant worry. It’s May 1940, and Aiden’s small fishing village on the coast of England has just learned that the German army has trapped British troops – including Aiden’s brother George – in Northern France. The Allies have come up with a plan to rescue the soldiers and bring them to safety back across the English Channel, and they’ll need every boat, big and small, they can find. Aiden’s parents refuse to go and forbid Aiden from making the trek himself – they cannot bear the thought of losing another child. But Aiden knows he must do everything in his power to help his brother and the other soldiers. Defying his parents, Aiden and his best friend, an equally courageous young girl named Sally, join Operation Dynamo to rescue the soldiers from Dunkirk, France. Will they survive the treacherous waters of the English Channel and the dangerous mission of transporting soldiers back home? Young readers will be riveted to these pages as they watch Aiden and Sally find the courage they have inside them to become the heroes this war needs.

This was a fantastic story, based on the very real events of Operation Dynamo, though Aiden and his village are fictional. It’s an amazing feat of heroism, and McDonough captures the emotions of the situation perfectly. Aiden is heartbroken by his family’s loss, yet yearns for normalcy from his parents. He’s terrified to defy their wishes and embark on the dangerous mission, yet knows it’s the only choice he has. Middle grade readers will certainly appreciate the emotional conflicts and will cheer for Aiden and Sally each step of the way. A great way to learn about this exciting and important piece of WW2 history.

[Tangerine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a 12 year old boy named Aiden who took his fathers boat with his childhood friend to rescue soldiers at Dunkirk. His main goal is to save his older brother named George. Aiden sails his way all the way to Dunkirk from his village. He inspires others to save the brave men who were sent to die, with many men coming back alive. Would recommend if you like ww2 books

[Grant Rinckey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a historical fiction book a life lesson you could learn from this book is face your fears because Aiden is afraid of the ocean because his brother died at sea this is why you should face your fears.

[Payton Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was so good it kept making me not want to stop reading

[Julie Overpeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from the KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.

This book is heavy on dialogue and light on description, but it will give middle-grade readers a sense of the desperation felt by the soldiers at Dunkirk, and by the English across the channel who want their sons home safe and sound.

Readers of the I Survived Series by Tarshis will like this book.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courageous: A Novel of Dunkirk by Yona Zeldis McDonough, 177 pages. Scholastic, 2018. $17.

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Aiden and his best friend Sally live in England during World War II. Aiden has lost one brother to the war and his other brother, George, sends home letters as frequently as he can. Sally and Aiden like to listen to the radio, so when in May 1940 they hear a cry for citizens to help pick up troops from across the water at Dunkirk, Aiden wants to take his father’s fishing boat convinced that he will be helping his brother George. Aiden’s father refuses to get involved, so Aiden and Sally sneak the boat out and follow the other people across the water to help in Dunkirk.

At first I was bothered that Aiden was only twelve-years old, but I actually think younger readers would relate to Aiden and Sally and their need to contribute to the war effort. I enjoyed the adventurous story, especially because it’s historical fiction and I felt like it was realistic. At times it was neatly wrapped up, but there is still un-graphic deaths from wounds, shootings and bombings.

Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exciting, historical fiction for readers in upper elementary and early middle school grades, set against the backdrop of the rescue of Allied troops from Dunkirk during WW II. Aidan's family has already lost one son in the war. The next son is currently serving with the British army. When Aidan wants to join others to assist in evacuating troops from Dunkirk his parents are firmly opposed due to their fear of losing yet another son. Aidan and his friend Sally come up with a plan to sneak away, then use Aidan's father's fishing boat in order to join others who are motivated to assist. Aidan's primary concern is his brother, George, who may himself, be at Dunkirk. Aidan is determined to save/rescue George with not thought to his own safety or life. This adventure story will captivate young readers while giving them a taste of this frightening time in early WW II.

[Holly Schindler · Rating 5 out of 5]

History provides fertile ground for great storytelling. The ability to intertwine facts while creating a tale of adventure that captivates young minds is a gift. in COURAGEOUS, McDonough has done just that.

[American Mensa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Courageous, A Novel of Dunkirk is a historical fiction book by Yona Zeldis McDonough. Protagonist Aidan resides on the south coast of England during World War II. His fishing boat, the Margaret, is one of his pride and joys. At the time, World War II was in full swing, and the Nazis posed a frightening threat to much of the world’s security. Aidan’s family is particularly invested in the war, because his brother George is part of the British troops. In May of 1940, the Nazis trap the British army, including George, in Northern France. Desperate, the Allies come up with a Hail Mary to get their soldiers out of France: enlist every possible boat regardless of size and sail across the channel. They call upon regular people to risk their lives to help the soldiers get home. Aidan and his best friend Sally are forbidden from taking the fishing boat across the channel, but Aidan knows George’s life may hang in the balance. Will Aidan take his boat across the channel to save George and the rest of the British troops? Read the book to find out.
While this book did a pretty good job of capturing the events at Dunkirk through fiction, I did not find it to be an enjoyable read. The writing style was very awkward and often cliché. I did not like that the entire book was written in first person with very short sentences. Even in emotional moments, such as the reunion of George and Aidan, I was not able to grasp the joy and pain of the event. The emotions were only developed on a superficial level, which severely impacted how the reader perceived them. All great books allow the reader to feel the character’s exact emotion powerfully, and this book fell short in that regard.
The other main problem with the book was how often the obvious was stated, without proper descriptions. This book did not allow the reader to make any connections and had very few visual or sensory descriptions. It was almost a list of actions, dialogue, and events, that was very hard for the reader to visualize. While there is some imagery, the book would benefit greatly from more adjectives.
I would recommend this book to any reader under the age of 12, because it is easy to understand and has a relatively interesting story line. Older readers will most likely not be satisfied by the lack of description and historical detail.
I give this book three stars because it told a decent historical fiction story but did not allow me as a reader to connect to it. The emotions, scenery, and characters were underdeveloped, and the entire book was awkward to read. The story line is a good foundation for the book, but the layers above were average at best.
Review by Anya A, age 14, Metropolitan Washington Mensa

[Hailey]

Imagine not knowing where your brother is or if he is even alive. In the book ”Courageous” by Yoda Zeldis McDonough,this is exactly what happened to Aidan and many other families from the town he lives in. Aiden and his friend Sally are both 12-years-old when they make the courageous decision to go across many waters on a fishing boat, along with many others from his town, in order to save many Allied soldiers in Dunkirk, including his big brother Geroge. Aiden has already lost one of his brothers, named Trevor, during the war. He didn’t want to lose another.
One feature I liked about the book was the way the story was told. It had two different perspectives. One of the perspectives was from Aiden and one side was from George; consequently, the narrator was actually telling the story. They switched between going to Aiden’s side, where he was saving the soldiers and between George's side, where he was experiencing the war first hand.
Another feature I liked about this book was the storyline. Throughout the story, there’s always an evil person. George’s people that are evil on his side are the people who are fighting against him. He had a battle to win and that makes his storyline interesting. On the other hand, Adian is fighting his own enemies but they just aren’t as extreme. To start off, he is fighting his parents about letting him go to save George. Then he is basically fighting in the battle when he goes to save the soldiers.
All in all, I would recommend this book to someone who likes books about war and fighting. It is also a little bit of a mystery so I would also recommend it for that reason. I hope you read this book! Thanks!

[Suzanne Brayton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always loved the Dunkirk, boat-lift story. This young adult book gives a young boy's view of taking a small boat over to Dunkirk in Operation Dynamo, to rescue the troops stranded at Dunkirk. Both French and British troops have been driven across France by the German army. They are woefully outnumbered and cannot survive long at the tip of France, facing the English Channel.

This is an interesting story. However the author, distressingly wrote it all in the infinitive tense. The story is written by a narrator describing past events in the infinitive or in some cases the present tense. It makes it hard to read. The reading level is about fifth grade, but i kept backing up and re-reading a passage because of the tense.

""I was going to spend the night at Sally's. Her mum says it's all right" He bites into the roll.", is an example. In the past tense, which would have been easier to read, He would have BIT into the roll. At least the author was consistent, the whole story is like that.

If a young person has not read about Dunkirk, they should. It was the largest boat-lift in History.

Interestingly, the second largest Boat-lift was on 9/11/01, when boats of all shapes and sizes sailed to the tip of Manhattan Island to evacuate frightened New Yorkers from the Island. There are several Youtube videos about that event. I like to watch them to commemorate 911 every couple years.
.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though he lives by the ocean and is the son of a fisherman, Aidan is afraid of the water, particularly after one of his brothers died when a German U-Boat sunk his ship. But he finds a way to overcome that fear when he and his best friend Sally decide to join the Allies' plans to mount a sea rescue of British troops stranded in northern France. The two friends take Aidan's father's boat and join Operation Dynamo, but they run out of fuel and face great danger even while trying to do their part for their country and maybe even find George, Aidan's other brother. I usually like stories with multiple narrators, but the shift from Aidan's story to George's felt a bit jarring for me. I had to keep reminding myself how close the geographic areas were and suspend my disbelief about how unlikely it would be that the two brothers would find each other during all that turmoil in 1940. Young readers will appreciate knowing that someone their age was involved in the war effort in such a way.

[Launna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really inspiring story. There is a dilemma that I still don’t know how I feel about it. The main character and his friend sneak out of the house and use a boat to go do a very dangerous thing against the wishes of their parents. It is a good conversation starter, but if you are reading to children, I think it is good to be aware that this is a part of the story.

There are also several parts that are scary and some that are a little gory for younger audiences especially. I think overall, it paints a fairly tame picture of how bad war is and the cost of it. Overall, I am glad to have read it to our children.

[Tami Gandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story based on actual events taking place during World War II. Aiden is the son of a fisherman on the south coast of England. His older brother was killed at sea and Aiden has been afraid of the sea since the death of his older brother.
Aiden and his best friend Sally hear chatter on their radio in May of 1940. His surviving brother George are trapped in Northern France which is surrounded by Nazi forces.
His parents forbid him to volunteer but he and his friend Sally decide to not listen and they are off to help with Operation Dynamo. They help to ferry troops from Dunkirk and at the same time search for George......

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really care for the style of writing in the book, from an omniscient point of view, for this book. It doesn't seem to work well.
I do like having a young adult novel that fleshes out Dunkirk. So many people, including young adults, know nothing about this incredible act of collective bravery.

[Alex Sandoval · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion I think this book is good because it is like a adventure book because Aidan travels to a lot of place for war. But also I kinda dislike it because it is about War and I don’t like those kinda book and also dislike history books. But i recommend this book to people that
Ike books abtout war.

[Brittany J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Operation Dynamo, the largest military evacuation in history, officially ends: 338,326 soldiers are saved, including 113,000 French troops.”
A great book to introduce a great story to a younger generation. Readers are quickly immersed into Aiden’s world and feel intimately the difficulty of the choices he, his parents, Sally and their whole village face.

[Kallan]

This was a really good book if you are interested in History and the History Of WWII. I liked that in this book you couldn't predict what would happen next. The only thing I din't like is that it doesn't end the best. The characters seemed like brave, loyal, kind people that would do anything for their Country.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written book and straight to the point. After reading this book.. I now can appreciate and understand the movie they made “Dunkirk”. It taught me about another part of WW II that I never heard of or was ever taught about during school.

[Mari Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast paced historical novel about a lesser known period of WW2 history. I live that it is highlighting this important event, but the book is so fast paced that character and plot development seem to suffer. It's definitely aimed at the upper elementary readers.

[Alex Saltsman · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good book i liked it because it was thrilling

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a great intro to war, fear, and courage for the middle grade reader.

[Tanner Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

12 year old Aidan and his best friend Sally sneak out to help the rescue at Dunkirk.

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book about Dunkirk, I love the ending

[Lilli Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book!!! I love how the author took history and turned it into a great story!

[Evan McElhaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

over all a realy good book about a 4/5

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is really good