At first a small group of young men only think of pranks to achieve secretly, and these are accomplished undetected. Their strenuous initiations continue without anyone else discovering what is literally happening on top of their heads, above the church sanctuary. The group becomes bold, planning actions of greater consequence, dangerous actions. But are they still a group or club, or are they now a gang? When, if ever, is such activity justified? The nation is Denmark, the time is World War II, and the Nazis occupy the village. Gunnar and Lars are brothers, their father is a pastor, and the family boarder might be Jewish. All in the group have various motives. The novel is suspenseful, full of action and even a dash of first love. Although the outcome is unrealistic, breathless readers probably won't mind a happier ending than actual historical events would have provided. (Ages 12-15)

German soldiers have invaded St. Petri—but Lars and his friends are fighting back.

Lars is finally a member of the St. Petri group. Sworn to oppose the German occupation of Denmark, the boys steal German license plates, deface Nazi posters, and deflate German tires. But when Lars discovers a stolen German Luger, the gun changes everything. It brings them Otto, a young brickyard worker, whose ruthlessness and daring urge the group into heightened risks. Freedom is all that matters, and suddenly it is worth everything—even their lives.

"Characters and setting are vivid, and the tension is heart-stopping."—The Horn Book

Winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder Award
An ALA Notable Book