For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

A teenager transforms from a schoolgirl to a spy in this true story of heroism in wartime.

Suzanne David's everyday life is suddenly shattered in 1940 when a bomb drops on the main square of her hometown, the city of Cherbourg, France, killing a pregnant neighbor right in front of her. Until then the war had seemed far away, not something that would touch her or her teenage friends. Now Suzanne's family is kicked out onto the street as German soldiers take over their house as a barracks.

Suzanne clings to the one thing she really loves--singing. Her voice is so amazing that she is training to become an opera singer. As Suzanne travels around for rehearsals, costume fittings, or lessons, she learns more about what the Nazis are doing and about the people who are "disappearing." Her travels are noticed by someone else, an organizer of the French Resistance. Soon Suzanne is a secret courier, a spy fighting for France and risking her own life for freedom.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, World War II, Historical, Fiction, War, Middle Grade

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 13, 2003

About the author

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's next book, The Night War, will be published April 9, 2024. She is the author of nineteen previous books, including the Newbery Honor winners Fighting Words and The War that Saved My Life. The sequel to the latter, The War I Finally Won, appeared on many state-award and best-books lists and was described as “stunning” by The Washington Post and “honest” and “daring” by The New York Times. She is also the acclaimed author of She Persisted: Rosalind Franklin. Kimberly and her husband have two grown children and live with their dogs, two highly opinionated mares, and a surplus of cats on a fifty-two-acre farm in Bristol, Tennessee. Visit her at kimberlybrubakerbradley.com.

Reviews

[Asma · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, nothing special. The plot is simple I know it's a middle grade book and have previously read two books by the same author, they were 5* but this one is much too simple and childish. Besides, I've already read many WW2 novels and it was all too familiar for me, nothing new.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the first YA novels I ever read. I was twelve, and the graphic description of a woman's death near the beginning of the book traumatized me and gave me nightmares. Despite that rough start, I really did enjoy the book, and found it both thrilling and fascinating. The story was so vivid, remarkable, and well-told that it stuck with me for years, and I can hardly go a week without thinking about this book and the story it told. I have very strong associations with it, and even though I forgot aspects of the plot in the following years, many details remained seared into my memory.

Recently, I decided to see if the library still had copies of this novel. One remained, so I requested it and picked it up last Wednesday. I went out to my car, and before I even put the keys in the ignition, I picked up the book and started reading, because I was desperately curious to see just how bad the graphic scene was and if I was justified in being so upset before. I read three whole chapters without looking up from the page, and didn't even notice how hot I was and how much I needed to get the car started and turn on AC.

The graphic death scene did not bother me this time, and was much shorter than I remembered. Still, I can see why it troubled me so greatly as a sensitive twelve-year-old; the description gave just enough details to make my imagination torment and nauseate me. Despite that, the rest of the book is incredible. The writing and pacing are excellent, the truly brave and strong female character is compelling, and the feeling of danger is intense and real. Someone who pursues this expecting a spy novel may be disappointed, because more than half of the book deals with her life before she even gets her assignment. However, the spy part does come, and in the meantime, the book is excellent historical fiction, giving an unforgettable sense of what life was like for someone living in Nazi-occupied France. The story is thrilling, inspiring, unique, and memorable. Best of all, it is based on a true story. It worked very well as a novel instead of a biography, and must be an absolute treasure to the woman's family.

I remembered enjoying this book a lot, and was somewhat nervous to read it again, for fear that I would be a more critical reader and be less satisfied with the quality. I didn't need to worry. This book was even more enjoyable at an older age, and since I have now learned so much more about World War Two, that contributed to my appreciation as well. Even though I would not recommend this to a sensitive kid without warning them about the graphic two paragraphs near the beginning, I think this book is wonderful and highly recommend it.

[Nora|KnyguDama]

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley mane visiškai papirko savo knygoms „Karas, išgelbėjęs mano gyevnimą“ ir „Karas, kurį aš galiausiai laimėjau“. Iki dabar tai yra vienos geriausių knygų jaunesnio amžiaus paaugliams apie karą, meilę ir kitus sudėtingus dalykus, kurias teko perskaityti. Dar skaičiau jos „Kovos žodžius“ - dar vienas stiprus reikalas, tik jau ne apie karo sunkumus, o apie prievartą ir drąsą kalbėti. Šis romanas taip pat apie karą. Apie Prancūziją, talentingą muzikę paauglę tapusia šnipe.

Iš esmės, ši knyga man pasirodė daug silpnesnė už minėtuosius „Karus“: nebuvo tiek jautrių momentų, ne taip prisirišau prie veikėjų, o ir pačio veiksmo daug mažiau. Bet „Dėl laisvės“ yra parašytas remiantis tikra istorija, tikrais išgyvenimais ir tikra drąsa, kurią parodė jaunutė Suzana, vildamasi padėti savo šaliai pasiekti pergalę. Knyga skirta paaugliams, tad žiaurių scenų čia nebuvo, bet rašytoja vis tiek sugebėjo aprašyti nacių bjaurumą, būdus, kiuriais jie susidorodavo su nepaklusti bandančiais. Kadangi pati esu skaičiusi n+k knygų apie Antrą pasaulinį karą, ši manęs nenustebino ir esmės jokios naujos emocijos nedovanojo. Tačiau paaugliams, dar tik susipažįstantiems su tema, tikiu, bus įdomu skaityti kaip slapta veikė šnipai, kad jais galėjo būti bet kas - nuo senutės bažnyčioje iki į pamokas vaikštančios mokinės. Ir kokius svarbius darbus tie paprasti žmonės žmonės darė, kaip labai rizikavo.

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent true story of a young French Resistance woman who braved the Nazis unbeknownst to all but her contacts. It is a thrilling story which will keep you on the edge of your seat right up 'til the very end!

[Liepa · Rating 4 out of 5]

based on a real story

Susan is a simple girl. She goes to school, wants to be a singer and doesn't care about war too much. After Nazis take their house, one friend of hers offers her to be a spy - to hand over some messages. Susan decides to do that for France.

I loved it! It wasn't as shocking or beautiful as other of her books, but still great. In those 150 pages I fell in love with Susan, France, her family and friends, the revolution spirit. Would really recommend🫶

💙 based on a real WW2 story
🤍 girl against government
❤️short chapters, easy to read, and the whole book is shortttt
pre read: time for more history! Loved The War That Saved My Life and Halfway to the Sky so hoping a 5 star!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to give this 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 12 and up, but I can't. Unfortunately, in the beginning, there is a scene where a pregnant woman is killed during a bombing raid. The description is too gruesome and gory for any child to read. (If you want to know what happened, another review on goodreads tells the details.) Other than that one very gory paragraph, it was an excellent book. I so wish the author would have just said that the woman and her baby died and left it at that. All that said, the book gives an amazing glimpse into France during WWII and describes what the life of a spy. The heroine is truly that...a hero for France...for all of us. The note at the end, supposedly written by the heroine herself, ties up all the loose ends and gives a very satisfying ending to the story.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my continued effort to read all of Bradley's books, this one set in WWII France, is an amazing story of one young girl's contribution to the resistance!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read this book once since it was a library book that had to be returned, but 15 years later scenes still stick with me.

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man labai patiko Kimberly Brubaker Bradley knygos "Kovos žodžiai" ir "Karas, išgelbėjęs mano gyvenimą", todėl nedvejodama norėjai susipažinti ir su kitomis autorės knygomis.

Ir nors ši mane palietė silpniau už minėtasias, vis tiek vertinčiau labai aukštais balais!

Man kiša koją tai, kad viską apie buvusius karus labai ir labai sunku skaityti šiuo metu. Šalia turime realiai DABAR vykstantį karo šešėlį, kuris viską temdo, kurio naujienas sekame, kuris verčia jaustis nesaugiai. Knygos apie karą tarsi galėtų prisidėti prie pasimokymo iš istorijos, bet man šiuo metu veikia kaip perteklinė informacija. 🤷‍♀️ O be to - knyga puiki ir įkvėpianti. Parašyta paprastai, pataikanti į savą auditoriją, mokanti patriotizmo ir drąsos. Ir net pilna šviesos bei humoro!

Rekomenduosiu autorės kūrybą visiems, o ypač paaugliams, nes ji rašo svarbiomis temomis. Ir rašo įtaigiai, pagaviai, atlikus namų darbus.

Šioje knygoje pasikartojamos istorijos pamokos, remiamasi tikra buvusios operos dainininkės, tapusios Prancūzijos šnipe istorija. Joje netrūksta jaudulio ir siužeto vingių! Drąsiai rekomenduočiau istorinius romanus ir asmenis, bei tikras istorijas mėgstantiems paaugliams!

Įgijau pasitikėjimą šia autore. Skaitysiu ir dar.

Beje, viršelis. Man viršeliui daug labiau būtų tikus atvarto puslapyje esanti iliustracija, bet tarsi suvokiu, kad knyga kaip ir ne mano amžiaus kategorijai leista. Atsivertus pagalvojau "vau". O perskaičius knygą "suskambėjo" dar stipiau. Mums, lietuviams, juk pažįstama tyli rezistencija. 💛

Ačiū @leidyklaniekorimto už leidžiamą labai kokybišką literatūrą jaunimui. 💛

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty quick read for an adult. It is simple in writing style but cuts right to the heart. There are some very beautifully-written moments in the book (one particular quote I am writing in my quote book!). The plot is kept very straight-forward, so it reads a little light or contrived at times. But I am judging it as an adult. For its intended audience (12-15), I think it would be closer to 5 stars.

I typically enjoy books about WWII, and spy novels are interesting to me as well. This one is worth reading. There are startling moments (one gruesome), and so while the language is kept simple, the concepts are not and would not be appropriate for young readers.

Based on this, I would also check out Bradley's other works. I think she presents conflict in a clear way. She also shows characters struggling in a way that doesn't feel phony, which I appreciate.

Good book!

[Jiyoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book about a child who was a French Spy hiding from the German soldiers. Suzanne David was messenger who told messages to other spies. She as not allowed to tell anybody about her work. Not even her parents! This is a very fascinating book. I could feel what the character was feeling. This was a very page-turning book. But it also is a tragedy when Dr. Leclerc dies and when Yvette cannot speak anymore.

[Skaistė Girtienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neilga istorija apie Antrąjį pasaulinį karą Prancūzijoje ir Pasipriešinimo judėjimą, šį kartą paauglės akimis. Tekstas lyg ir paprastas, nesudėtingas, bet liečiama sudėtinga karo kasdienybė ir žmonių jausmai. Greitai įtraukė ir nekantraudama skaičiau, kas toliau laukia herojės ir kaip viskas pasibaigs.

[Jana Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an excellent book to read, especially in today's political climate. "we did it for ourselves, so we would never have to look back and admit that we had not acted against the horrors that swirled around us."

[Sydney Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very very good book! It was a little slow at the beginning, but it picked up pretty quick. I love the story so much and I’d recommend it to those who love historical fiction!

[Julia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a school assignment in 8th grade, and I finally remembered what the title of it was, and I remember younger me really enjoying this book!

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as tightly constructed as her later novels. It felt like it wrapped up too neatly and too quickly. I would liked more follow-up after the big event. Didn’t love the narrator.

[Cadance · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it had potential but there weren't many details. It was just like, this happened, then two weeks later this happened. 🤷‍♀️

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

BrBradley, Kimberly Brubaker. For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy. 181 p. Dell Laurel-Leaf. 2003. ISBN 978-0-440-41831-3.

Wow! For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy was incredibly suspenseful. The book is based on a true story.

Imagine you are a 13-year-old living in a French town and your walking downtown with your best friend. It’s May 29, 1940. A bomb falls right next to you and you see someone get killed. Your best friend is so traumatized from the event, she never speaks again.

Suzanne, the 13-year-old main character, narrates this gripping story. The Germans force Suzanne and her family out of their home. The one thing that helps Suzanne cope with the war going on around her is that she is an up-and-coming opera star. She gets to travel to various places with her opera teacher. Because she travels to different areas, the French Resistance (a group of people who oppose the German occupation and try to do what they can to stop it) has one of their members, her own physician, ask her quietly if she will be a spy. She is so angry about the German occupation and destruction of her home town that she agrees.

Her life as a spy, carrying coded messages, is full of danger, fear and loneliness. Her fear of being caught becomes real. Will she get caught? Will the Germans find out she is a spy?

To find out what happens to Suzanne, read For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. I think you will agree that it is a great book. It is pretty amazing what that 13 year old did to try and help her and her country regain their freedom.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters are amazing.

I've always loved spy stories and the action and unknown that goes on within them. They're delightful reads, and the previous times that I've read For Freedom that is what I noticed.

This time around I noticed something different though. The characters.

Of course I've seen them before, but what really took me away was my strength and perseverance.

Can we go through an occupation? The material means of one? Can we see our city slowly disappearing? Can we loose friends? Can we bear the scars that we would earn? Can we be strong through it all? Could we keep our faith?

These characters do all of the above. They managed. They survived.

Suzanne doesn't ever give up faith in her religion, nor do others. It really amazes me here, as when the world seems like it is ending so many people flee to, or flee from their faith. She bears it.

Millions of people did the same, and it takes my breath away to see what they did.

Though, on a side note, there were those who could not take the PTSD of what happened to them. Throughout the book my thoughts kept on returning to Yvette, even as she faded from anyone else's notice. She was still reliving the nightmares that happened that day. She just dwindled and dwindled until she was no longer part of the story.

For the characters of the book that did what they did, it is absolutely amazing.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a historical fiction book about a french girl named Suzanne David who has dreams of being a professional singer, until her life gets turned upside down. This book takes place in Cherbourg, France in 1940 during World War II. Suzanne is an every day girl, who one day gets an interesting offer. The town doctor, Dr. Leclerc asks Suzanne to deliver important messages to anonymous people. She immediately knew that these “messages” were not casual. She had a feeling that they had to do with the invasion of the Allies. The stakes would be high because the Nazi’s had taken over Cherbourg (and it’s getting to the point where you have to carry your papers around with you at all times.) She agrees to Dr. Leclerc’s proposal. But, can Suzanne successfully give the messages to the receivers? Or will she be caught and sent to a concentration camp? What happens if Hitler wins? I enjoyed this book because it shows you that if you set your mind on something you have to follow through or the whole plan could go bankrupt. I think the author’s message was to show how hard the conditions were during World War II. Also, if you believe in yourself enough and ignore the people around you, you can be successful.

[Dhove · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandfather was recruited into the French Resistance in 1943. He was fourteen years old. Many of the details of life in the Resistance described in this book mirror the stories he has told.

My first instinct upon reading this book is to say that it is too sterilized and watered down in an effort to make it "appropriate" for children's lit. I have to remind myself that the girl in the story is sixteen - only slightly older than my grandfather was. The story could have been more graphic and meant for an older audience, or it could have omitted the one graphic scene remaining in order to be deemed appropriate for a younger audience, but neither of those options would have done it any favors. It is a (fictionalized) true story and it is an IMPORTANT story. The bravery of this girl rivals - and in some cases probably surpasses - some of the most decorated soldiers. They didn't fight for glory or to advance their military careers. They fought - despite the lack of training or experience - because they could not accept defeat and, as the author puts it, "so that we would never have to look back and admit that we had not acted against the horrors that swirled around us. We did it for freedom. Our own."

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thirteen-year old Suzanne David of Cherbourg, France is concerned mainly with her music studies. She wants to be an opera singer as soon as she is old enough. Her best friend Yvette may tease her about music but Yvette understands Suzanne like no one else. They're only vaguely aware that France and England are at war with Germany. Then one terrible day, Suzanne's life changes forever. Suzanne must have the courage to deal with what comes and stay strong through the long years that follow. She then finds a way to use her gifts for a good cause.

The dedication is kind of a spoiler but even so, I couldn't put the book down. I could have sworn I had read this before, but nothing seemed familiar. The plot is a little slow at first but then moves into heart-stopping territory. The author doesn't hold back from the gritty details of what war was actually like. This book made me realize what a friend's grandfather must have gone through living in Nazi occupied France. The story made me mad and sad at the same time. I felt every emotion with Suzanne. This is a good book for anyone 13+ to learn about WWII and some of the terrible atrocities committed and some of the heroes that turned tragedy into triumph.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I got at some point from some person for my birthday or holiday, and then was promptly set on my bookshelf and forgotten. I can't even remember how long it has sat there gathering dust. Then, a couple of days ago, I found myself requiring a small book -- small books are rather hard to come by in my house; anything less than 300 pages never makes it to the cashier -- and voilà!

For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy is a surprisingly gripping read. Although the writing level is suitable for young children, the material is better left for someone a bit older, such as teens. I personally wanted more detail, more depth, more cultural and historical information, but the book still contains the most important part of any story: it's raw, visceral core. It is a story about fear and family, about dreams and lies, and about a young girl who set out to do the impossible.

Never mind that it is all true.

[Seo Woo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome!!! This book took place in World War II, about Nazis and Jews. The character in this book, Suzanne, is a real person, who went through all these events. Suzanne was a spy during the World War II. Her story is very interesting, and it makes you hook up to the story. This book made me nervous a lot, it made me scared when the characters were scared. It also made me sad, or happy, when the main character escaped through the traps of life. I really enjoy reading about the World War II, but it was more fun, since this story happened in real life. This book is awesome, you should totally read it! Rating is 5/5! This story taught me a lot about bravery, and what being 'brave' meant.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book. It started out a little slow, but the ending half was definitely awesome. Historical fiction set in France based on the real story of Suzanne David, a teen opera singer who is also a spy - number 22. She passes important messages on for the Allies in Cherboug. The end was happy enough for Suzanne, but the harsh fates of others are a reminder of what war brings.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A teenage girl finds herself working as a spy during the World War II occupation of France.

[Laurie B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oof. After finishing this book, I was surprised to see how high the average rating for it is. I do not see the appeal. The writing is very stilted - a lot of, "I did this. Then I went there. Then this happened." Even if it's geared toward a middle-grade audience, that doesn't excuse boring writing. And although the publisher says it's for ages 10 and up, I would feel very uncomfortable recommending it to that age, as there is a very disturbing and gory scene at the beginning. The jacket blurb warns you a bit, so I skimmed that section. But it was still awful and I wish I could unread it. I know war is horrifying - I don't need gruesome death images stuck in my psyche.

The book in general was very depressing. Again, I know it's about WWII. I get it. I still want to see shreds of hope in my stories, and this one had none. People don't survive atrocities like this without hope. As written, I don't see how Suzanne wasn't just a shell of a person after the war. Maybe she was. The epilogue did little to make me think otherwise.

Speaking of Suzanne, I struggled with her character. I know the story is based on a real person's life, but I did not care for her "make me strong" attitude throughout. She brags about never crying because that means she's strong - an argument I really dislike and disagree with. Obviously, we need people in circumstances like this who can keep their emotions in check. Sometimes it's a necessity. But I don't see it as something to brag about. And I don't like that one of the underlying messages of the book seemed to be that crying or struggling with trauma makes you weak or lesser. Suzanne DOES struggle with the trauma - she has constant nightmares. But she doesn't talk to anyone about it and just keeps it all buried. During the war, she doesn't have much of a choice. But even after, it doesn't seem like it's something she ever worked through or resolved. That's not healthy. And then there's poor Yvette! Again, oof.

When the book wasn't upsetting or depressing, it was boring. For a book about spying, it seems odd that there's no spying whatsoever for the first 100 pages...and it's only a 180 page book! By the time the spying starts, the book is more than half over, so everything is rushed. Fast-paced, but not necessarily exciting. And Suzanne's character becomes even more confusing. At first, all she cares about is singing. Then, when she's actually making a career of singing, that's not enough and she says she needs something else to occupy her. So she starts spying. But then, she wishes she could just focus on singing. Make up your mind!

I thought this would be an easy book to check off my list since it's so short. Sadly, I would have been better off passing on it.

[Jennifair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book when I was in high school (if I remember correctly) and I have admired it ever since. In the 10 years that have elapsed, I've read it at least three times and it speaks to me distinctly each time. So often we read stories from the Jewish, American, or German perspectives. It was insightful to read a memoir of a French girl who took part in the Resistance. This perspective seems to be less discussed and it has been the only one I have ever read; which creates a greater impact to me.

At the heart of the story is a young, naive girl who is thrust into the realities of war when she is bombed on the beach of her hometown Cherbourg France. She is part of a gruesome attack that murders and destroys the body of a woman she had known for many years. This particular description over a few paragraphs are indeed graphic, yet brief.

I am amazed at Suzanne's resilience to this event while it conversely alters the state of her best friend, Yvette who was also present. She grieves and processes the trauma in her own unique way that is still vulnerable and I appreciate that. While her best friend Yvette remains entirely mute and seemingly incoherent from thenceforth, Suzanne finds ways to press forward and channel her anger toward the Germans into her subsequent allegiance with the French Resistance.

I admire her courage and willingness to turn to God even when her faith is seemingly misplaced. On one occasion she laments because her Christmas celebration with her family is meager and lowly. She is offered a single bite of an apple and notes, "I took a bite. It was sweet, but the sweetness made me sad. I longed for Christmases the way they used to be, knee-deep in candy and toys. Yet the Christ child was born in a stable--nothing was very comfortable for Him, either. Dear God, I prayed as always, make me strong."

The suspense is gripping, and the fear palpable as you take a journey alongside Suzanne throughout her memoir. It is incredible to think that not only is this a true story, but there are countless similar others that have never been told. I am beyond grateful to be able to have at least one account that I can refer to and admire. Truly, there are heroes all among us.

[Gabriela Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite good! Suzanne's voice as a narrator is interesting- I've never listened to a single narrator in a book that has a voice as unique as hers. She tells the story with strong, powerful words that aren't extremely descriptive but say a lot. I admire her a lot, Suzanne. She is very strong, and in ways that she doesn't even completely realize. She's brave- afraid of doing the task at hand, but she does it anyways. She pushes past her fear and does what she has to do, for she has to help win the war. As for the plot, it didn't make my heart beat like it did in other books, but it kept me worrying, kept me wondering what was going to happen next. By being a spy, Suzanne was putting her life at risk. That led me to constantly worry about her safety, and the safety of the other spies. It was really sad when Dr. Leclerc died in the end, but I had a feeling something was bound to happen to him, after all the secret work he was doing. Also, the fact that all these spies were taken away, without anyone knowing what happened to them other than the Germans themselves. At times the story was a little creepy, but not a whole lot. It was just enough to give you the shivers, to make you more aware of your surroundings. I really liked Madame Marcelle as a character. I'd expect her to be a little bit grumpy, because that's how most teachers are in books. However, she was very sweet, and quite supportive of Suzanne with her career. I also liked Etienne a lot, because of his bravery and strength that often made his sister a little bit stronger. In general, this book was amazing, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a captivating story of resistance, persistance and fighting for freedom.

[Lilly Bartholomew · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a historical fiction novel set in Cherbourg, France in 1940. It was during WWII which I Know a lot about, but I knew less about France and other countries besides America's involvement. It brought me more awareness about what happened in countries near Germany and how they got involved and resisted in the war. It had much factual detail about people involved in the France military ranks, what France was planning to do, and what conditions people were living in that were not Jewish. The book had great detail and I could tell and understand the emotions that each character was struggling with. Suzanne's character is full of depth as she fights to be strong through the war and I was surprised that a girl her age was able to handle all of the tasks and pain she endures. When reading the book I could not really relate to Suzanne but I did aspire to be more like her and have the toughness she had. Her powerful character helps her become the hero of the story and illustrates difficult times when it is hard to be strong but you have to have hope. In my opinion, the book could have had a little more action to it because at times it felt somewhat repetitive. Overall, I really loved the story as a whole and I feel it is a nice short read for whenever.