Defy the Night ~ Review

Defy the Night: A Novel
By Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

War has come to France and the lives of the innocent are in danger simply because they were born into a world that now wants to destroy them.  Freedom is an illusion that they are living under with the hope that it will one day return.

When refugees begin coming into her mountain village Magali sees a need.  There are babies and children to help settle.  But Magali wants to do more.  When Paquerette gives her this opportunity Magali is determined to seize it.  Now she just needs to convince her parents that she can handle the dangers involved.

But Magali never imagined the harsh cruelty of the camps and the utter contempt that the guards have towards these lives that they deem so valueless as to hide they away behind barbed wire.  Magali is about to grow up beyond her 15 years very quickly.

I really like this book and the unique look it takes at 1941 France.  This is a story that will appeal to pre-teens and teens alike in that Magali is the main character.  The appeal of making a difference in the lives of others is a powerful draw and the world Magali lives in makes this a difficult desire.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with a fascination with the 1940s/WWII time period.  This a book that deserves a place on the shelves of both school and public libraries.  Homeschoolers take note - you will want to add this book to your reading list (former homeschooler talking here!).

I was provided a copy of this through Kregel in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:
In the midst of war, one teenager is determined to make a difference.

If no one will do anything, she'll have to do it herself.

In 1941 France is still "free." But fifteen-year-old Magali is frustrated by the cruel irony of pretending life is normal when food is rationed, new clothes are a rarity, and most of her friends are refugees. And now the government is actually helping the Nazis. Someone has got to do something, but it seems like no one has the guts--until Paquerette arrives.

Smuggling refugee children is Paquerette's job. And she asks Magali to help.

Working with Paquerette is scary and exhausting, but Magali never doubts that it is the right thing to do. Until her brash actions put those she loves in danger.