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Expelled: A Story of the Polish Resistance
Nazis are already infiltrating Polva, a quiet town in southern Poland, to scout for provisions for the looming invasion. Grandfather, Maria and other veterans of the Polish underground know the meaning of the German word 'Blitzkrieg' or Lightning War, intercepted on their secret channels. The race to educate, train and provision Aleks and his friends must be finished in secret before the attack.
But these youth are the children of heroes, and they have already learned the meaning of courage and unfaltering love. They want to participate, and the Resistance needs their intelligence, youthful bravado, and surprising, clever tactics. They each know that the ultimate price may be required, and just a moment of weakness or inattention could destroy everyone.
A well-researched, clean read with fast-paced action, triumphant courage and love.
Book Club Discussion questions are on the author's website BethMStephenson.com
But these youth are the children of heroes, and they have already learned the meaning of courage and unfaltering love. They want to participate, and the Resistance needs their intelligence, youthful bravado, and surprising, clever tactics. They each know that the ultimate price may be required, and just a moment of weakness or inattention could destroy everyone.
A well-researched, clean read with fast-paced action, triumphant courage and love.
Book Club Discussion questions are on the author's website BethMStephenson.com
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2023
72 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 30, 2023
Hard to put down!
This book was addictive. It was hard to put down and I found myself reading for hours at a time. I quickly felt attached to the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them. You won't regret reading this book!
This book was addictive. It was hard to put down and I found myself reading for hours at a time. I quickly felt attached to the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them. You won't regret reading this book!
February 20, 2023
I love ww2 historical fiction, and this is a good one! I couldn’t put it down- I read it in 2 days.
September 11, 2024
4.5⭐️ rounded up.
February 14, 2023
Love this book! I found myself sucked in to the story and interested in lives of the characters, as well as the scenery surrounding them, set in a beautiful countryside / village in Poland. It felt like a realistic plot & events with successes and tragedies that had me both rooting and feeling sorrow because of the setting. I had a hard time putting it down. I loved Would definitely recommend.
February 9, 2023
Engrossing story
As a lover of historical fiction, I found myself quickly engrossed in the story. I look at the characters of this type of story and imagine that it very well could be true. Terrible events in the history of mankind have millions of stories that are never told or written down, but this is an accurate means to fill that void. I appreciate the authors effort to keep this story clean without improper language and showing that true heroes can be of high moral character. I would definitely recommend this book to young adults for a enjoyable and thoughtful read.
As a lover of historical fiction, I found myself quickly engrossed in the story. I look at the characters of this type of story and imagine that it very well could be true. Terrible events in the history of mankind have millions of stories that are never told or written down, but this is an accurate means to fill that void. I appreciate the authors effort to keep this story clean without improper language and showing that true heroes can be of high moral character. I would definitely recommend this book to young adults for a enjoyable and thoughtful read.
February 25, 2023
Well told tale of the Polish Resistance
Highly recommend this book. The young boys, compelled to live in a cave, by their own resources while helping the resistance, learn to plan and execute pitfalls for the invading Nazis. Their survival and execution of impediment
s to their invaders are brilliantly and systematically detailed as the reader alternately is swept anxiously along in their dangerous deeds, experiences the losses and triumphs of their efforts and marvels at their skill and resilience as some of the boys become men. Hard to put down, a rousing read that will keep you coming back to see what happens next.
Highly recommend this book. The young boys, compelled to live in a cave, by their own resources while helping the resistance, learn to plan and execute pitfalls for the invading Nazis. Their survival and execution of impediment
s to their invaders are brilliantly and systematically detailed as the reader alternately is swept anxiously along in their dangerous deeds, experiences the losses and triumphs of their efforts and marvels at their skill and resilience as some of the boys become men. Hard to put down, a rousing read that will keep you coming back to see what happens next.
February 28, 2024
A story of resilience, bravery & survival techniques to enable survival in a cave in the woods.
This author has obviously seriously researched living in caves and surviving in the forest. The resistance fighters hardships and true reality of their struggle is beautifully narrated.
I loved how such young boys learned to kill, prep and cook to survive. The gardening skills they implemented to both camouflage and grow their veg were ingenious . As was the detailing of their boredom and the consequences of impatience.
I laughed and cried throughout this book it really touches every emotion.
This author has obviously seriously researched living in caves and surviving in the forest. The resistance fighters hardships and true reality of their struggle is beautifully narrated.
I loved how such young boys learned to kill, prep and cook to survive. The gardening skills they implemented to both camouflage and grow their veg were ingenious . As was the detailing of their boredom and the consequences of impatience.
I laughed and cried throughout this book it really touches every emotion.
February 27, 2023
Read this for my Rolla Readers book group. A fine story. Very compelling and kept moving. So sad to get a glimpse into what their life was becoming under Nazi rule. But so happy Grandfather had the foresight and wisdom to prepare. I really liked this book. I missed having a little more description or background at certain places. There seemed to be a few missing conversations that would have helped me understand why they made certain choices. But it didn't really stop the progress of the boys. Just sometimes confusing why they chose to go the direction they did. A good book overall.
May 30, 2023
Expelled
An interesting view of preparing for the Germans. This book covers part of the preparation Jews took before WWII started. A grandfather teaches his grandson how to live off the land without being noticed. He provides him with enough instruction to protect and provide for himself. Earning the reputation of an accomplished archer puts him in danger of being discovered. Using his friends, he makes a treacherous run for safety.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
An interesting view of preparing for the Germans. This book covers part of the preparation Jews took before WWII started. A grandfather teaches his grandson how to live off the land without being noticed. He provides him with enough instruction to protect and provide for himself. Earning the reputation of an accomplished archer puts him in danger of being discovered. Using his friends, he makes a treacherous run for safety.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
October 12, 2023
I finished this book yesterday and was sad that I had finished it. The Characters are so lifelike that I felt that they were friends. It was sad in parts but have to remember that is how Jews and Poles, etc. lived under the 3rd Reich. The story moved along quickly and I hated to put it down to make meals, go to town for errands and then to bed at bedtime. Would really recommend this to people who are interested in WWII even though it is fiction.
February 15, 2023
I have read multiple historical books about World War II from the perspective of the Jews. I really enjoyed reading this book from a different perspective of that war. I didn't know much at all about the Polish resistance before I read this, and this book sparked a desire within me to learn more! The plot was very interesting and the characters were endearing. I would highly recommend this book!
March 6, 2023
This book captivated me from the start. It was well-researched and well-written. I was immediately drawn into the lives of these brave and honorable young men and those who were teaching and helping them to survive in a terrible time for Poland. Great historical fiction for teens and adults. Highly recommend!
December 2, 2023
A tapestry of courage, strength, grief and faith
How brave can a young teen be? This story models great courage, as well as strength to endure through pain. There is repeated victory of good over evil despite searing losses to the evil. Yes, the story is fiction but also reflects a time no one of sound mind wants to see again.
How brave can a young teen be? This story models great courage, as well as strength to endure through pain. There is repeated victory of good over evil despite searing losses to the evil. Yes, the story is fiction but also reflects a time no one of sound mind wants to see again.
February 13, 2023
Such a fun historical fiction novel! I became very attached to the characters and was enthralled by what life would have been like in Poland. Such a good tribute to all those who sacrificed and died. Highly recommend!
May 3, 2023
great story!
Expelled held my interest from the beginning.
It is so easy to be caught up in our own comfortable life styles. What a difficult time in history Beth M. Stephenson describes.
The characters are believable and the setting is well developed.
Expelled held my interest from the beginning.
It is so easy to be caught up in our own comfortable life styles. What a difficult time in history Beth M. Stephenson describes.
The characters are believable and the setting is well developed.
May 7, 2024
Interesting take on resistance in Poland
Well written, engaging story of people who fought for their freedom and country against an immoral enemy. Characters are highly motivated to make a difference.
Well written, engaging story of people who fought for their freedom and country against an immoral enemy. Characters are highly motivated to make a difference.
July 30, 2024
I love historical fiction especially wwII. This was a faced paced book that I could hardly put down until finished reading. I did not know anything about the caves in Southern Polland prior to reading this novel.
February 19, 2023
Wonderful reading. Some times tears and sometimes joy
November 17, 2023
Excellent read!
This story will stay with me, beautifully written and respectful of the tragedy that happened to Poland and surrounding areas.
This story will stay with me, beautifully written and respectful of the tragedy that happened to Poland and surrounding areas.
March 18, 2025
Such an enchanting story!
I've read so many ww2 books and enjoyed most. This one is very special and captured my imagination immediately. I enjoyed it to the end!!
I've read so many ww2 books and enjoyed most. This one is very special and captured my imagination immediately. I enjoyed it to the end!!
July 28, 2023
Excellent
I loved reading this book, I could hardly put it down. It is a story of not only the determination to survive but the loss and love of the people in a small Polish community during WW2.
I loved reading this book, I could hardly put it down. It is a story of not only the determination to survive but the loss and love of the people in a small Polish community during WW2.
July 1, 2024
In the small town of Polva in southern Poland the nazis are arriving before the bigger invasion. Aleks and his friends are being trained for the resistance by his Grandfather, Maria and other veterans of the Polish underground. They are also learning to survive. This is a great story of how the young can become heroes told with fast paced action, courage and love.
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July 19, 2023Very fun, fast paced read
I really enjoy both history & historical fiction. I also enjoy stories of WWII. This is a very entertaining, plausible story with lots of unexpected twists. Very easy to get caught up in the lives of the main characters & hoping for good outcomes for each of them! I also appreciate the fact that despite all of the action, this is a clean read. I highly recommend!
I really enjoy both history & historical fiction. I also enjoy stories of WWII. This is a very entertaining, plausible story with lots of unexpected twists. Very easy to get caught up in the lives of the main characters & hoping for good outcomes for each of them! I also appreciate the fact that despite all of the action, this is a clean read. I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews