What do you think?
Rate this book
A Cake for the Gestapo
Slotting in beside THE MACHINE GUNNERS and WAR HORSE, A CAKE FOR THE GESTAPO tells the story of a fictional gang of kids in Jersey during the German Occupation in WW2, weaving in very real islanders' own stories of the Occupation at its core - A history that has never before been told in children's literature. June 1940. As World War Two rages on, for Joe, Spinner, Ginger and Clem life continues as normal on the small island of Jersey. Dealing with school bullies and angry parents, none of them really believe the enemy will invade. That is until the island is bombed and Joe is injured. Outrage turns to terror. The grownups avoid the Germans, but the gang have a plan. Playing tricks on the soldiers, they trip them up in their every move until their plan lands them and the whole community in terrible, mortal danger. The threat of starvation begins to hang over the islanders as the German occupiers tighten their grip, but the gang refuse to give up. What if they could take down one of the German s most dangerous leaders? What if they could defeat the cruel and terrifying Viktor?
- GenresWorld War II
280 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2020
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 5, 2020
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” ~ Dr. Maya Angelou
What?
*points up*
The quote?
Give me two minutes and I’ll explain...
I had to go hunting for this quote whilst I was reading ACFTG. It was there in the back of my mind but kept fluttering away every time I tried to grasp it.
“Why?”, you may ask. Quite simply, this quote spoke to me.
How I wish there was a book such as ACFTG back when I was a child. My papa served as a wireless operator during the war. I remember badgering him with questions but getting no answers. I understand it was hard for him to relive everything he had experienced, but I believe history needs to be remembered so we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.
Aimed at 8-13-year-olds, ACFTG takes us back to WWII and the German invasion of Jersey experienced from a child’s POV. Well, four of them to be exact.
I totally forgot I was reading a YA book. I became so invested in the exploits of Joe, Spinner, Clem and Ginger as they formed their own little resistance group against the Nazi invaders! Yet, it isn’t even just the struggles of war the kids have to deal with. Family dynamics, school, growing up – it’s all still happening day to day.
As an almost 42-year-old, my heart was in my mouth during some of the scenes in the book, but that’s the naivety of youth – isn’t it? I wonder what I would’ve thought reading this book if I was 10?
I was fascinated to learn that although the characters themselves are fictionalised; the events contained in this book were inspired by stories collated from real-life Islanders.
Given the serious subject matter, the author was still able to liberally sprinkle the story with humour even in the direst of circumstances.
History comes alive – ACFTG is the perfect read for young minds to connect with the past.
What?
*points up*
The quote?
Give me two minutes and I’ll explain...
I had to go hunting for this quote whilst I was reading ACFTG. It was there in the back of my mind but kept fluttering away every time I tried to grasp it.
“Why?”, you may ask. Quite simply, this quote spoke to me.
How I wish there was a book such as ACFTG back when I was a child. My papa served as a wireless operator during the war. I remember badgering him with questions but getting no answers. I understand it was hard for him to relive everything he had experienced, but I believe history needs to be remembered so we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.
Aimed at 8-13-year-olds, ACFTG takes us back to WWII and the German invasion of Jersey experienced from a child’s POV. Well, four of them to be exact.
I totally forgot I was reading a YA book. I became so invested in the exploits of Joe, Spinner, Clem and Ginger as they formed their own little resistance group against the Nazi invaders! Yet, it isn’t even just the struggles of war the kids have to deal with. Family dynamics, school, growing up – it’s all still happening day to day.
As an almost 42-year-old, my heart was in my mouth during some of the scenes in the book, but that’s the naivety of youth – isn’t it? I wonder what I would’ve thought reading this book if I was 10?
I was fascinated to learn that although the characters themselves are fictionalised; the events contained in this book were inspired by stories collated from real-life Islanders.
Given the serious subject matter, the author was still able to liberally sprinkle the story with humour even in the direst of circumstances.
History comes alive – ACFTG is the perfect read for young minds to connect with the past.
February 19, 2024
this was so good🥹 and so interesting🥹 i feel as though the channel islands are often left out of wwii narratives, particularly in children’s literature so this was very refreshing. i enjoyed the characterisation of the children- they maintained their cheekiness and childhood whilst suffering insane traumas. very good
February 26, 2020
A fascinating look into island life on Jersey during World War Two. Focused on a group of children who vow to resist German occupation, the story is populated with a wonderful cast of characters, and explores how small acts of bravery can change a life.
August 13, 2024
I can't remember the last time a book made me cry. Great Y.A. novel. Happy to have read it. Great choice for youth who want to explore the theme of the Holocaust and WW2.
December 10, 2025
Read this alongside my daughter as part of her school work. It was ok, an interesting read but I thought the ending was kind of abrupt.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews