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Margi Preus
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Shadow on the Mountain: A Novel Inspired by the Adventures of a Wartime Spy Kindle Edition

by Margi Preus (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 203 ratings
See all formats and editions
“Newbery Honor winner Preus . . . delivers a riveting story about teenage freedom fighters in WWII Norway” (Publishers Weekly).

After Nazi Germany invades and occupies Norway, fourteen-year-old Espen and his friends are swept up in the Norwegian resistance movement. Espen gets his start by delivering illegal newspapers, then graduates to the role of courier and finally becomes a spy, dodging the Gestapo along the way. During five years under the Nazi regime, Espen, his sister, and their parents live in fear of nighttime raids and arrests, and they begin to question the loyalties of the people around them. Espen gains—and loses—friends, falls in love, and makes one small mistake that threatens to catch up with him as he sets out to escape on skis over the mountains to Sweden . . .

Award-winning author Margi Preus crafts a thrilling adventure based on the real-life experiences of Erling Storrusten, a Norwegian spy during World War II.

Praise for Shadow on the Mountain

“Engrossing. . . . This is at once a spy thriller, a coming-of-age story, and a chronicle of escalating bravery. Multidimensional characters fill this gripping tale that keeps readers riveted to the end.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“A morally satisfying page turner.” —Kirkus Reviews
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    1 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    316 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 6
  5. Lexile measure
    730L
  6. Publisher
    Amulet Books
  7. Publication date
    October 1, 2012
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  12. ISBN-13
    978-1419711596
  13. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-This engrossing offering sheds light on the Norwegians' courage during World War II. Preus masterfully weds a story of friendship with the complications faced by 14-year-old Espen and his friends as Nazi restrictions and atrocities become part of their everyday lives. Espen not only has to deal with the political turmoil, but also with discovering that his best friend has joined the German cause, which Espen is committed to work against. Even his young sister, Ingrid, joins the resistance when she gets a bit older. Norway's hazardous topography adds to the adventure as Espen must ski across dangerous mountain passes in order to carry out his secret missions. This is at once a spy thriller, a coming-of-age story, and a chronicle of escalating bravery. Multidimensional characters fill this gripping tale that keeps readers riveted to the end. An informative author's note explains that Espen was inspired by Erling Storrusten, who, as a teenager, helped in the resistance movement. A "Bonus for Code Breakers" and instructions for making invisible ink are appealing additions. Preus aptly celebrates the determination of ordinary citizens in this book. Similar truths are told in Mal Peet's Tamar: A Novel of Espionage, Passions and Betrayal (Candlewick, 2008) and Kathy Kacer's Night Spies (Tandem, 2003).-Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Margi Preus is an acclaimed children’s book author and playwright whose first novel, Heart of a Samurai, earned a 2011 Newbery Honor award. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota. Visit her online at www.margipreus.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008JHQ4P6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amulet Books; 8-page insert of color photos edition (October 1, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5698 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 316 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 203 ratings

About the author

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Margi Preus

Margi Preus

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Margi Preus's books for young readers include the Newbery Honor winning Heart of a Samurai, and its companion The Bamboo Sword, also West of the Moon, Enchantment Lake, and Shadow on the Mountain. Her books have been ALA/ALSC Notables, received multiple awards, landed on many “best of” lists, been featured on NPR, and have been translated into several languages. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, speaking, and visiting schools all over the world.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
203 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

BullDurlover
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read for adults and teens
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
This young adult novel about a teenage Norwegian spy/courier's development and adventures during the Nazi occupation met my needs for an "introductory" book about this grim time period. The characters are interesting, varied, and well-developed and include some strong females. The story addresses not just the grim events of the occupation but also friendships, family love, and romantic love. The book was a quick read, but was emotionally compelling and taught me a lot about events of the occupation and Norwegians' responses to those events.
One person found this helpful
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Virginia Kristiansen
5.0 out of 5 stars The grit of a Norwegian Teenager During Nazi Occupation
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2020
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The facts in this book was well researched. It was well done. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book to read! Part of my family lived under Nazi Occupied Norway and the facts are accurate.
2 people found this helpful
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F Debnam
5.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting story of Epson, 14- year old ...
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2017
Verified Purchase
A very interesting story of Epson, 14- year old boy, and his friends caught up in the five year occupation of Norway during WWII.
Some school mates sided with the occupying forces while Epson and his friends joined the Resistance. Espen worked under difficult circumstances fearing for his life, lives of his family, and friends to bring peace back to Norway. The book is based on a true story.
2 people found this helpful
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L. A. Goodman
4.0 out of 5 stars Quality historical novel for kids
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2012
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Having read and enjoyed Margi Preus' "Heart of a Samurai," I was excited when this book came out. As a child, I had read "Snow Treasure," so I had heard before of the Norwegian resistance during WWII. As an adult, I found this book more exciting than "Snow Treasure," although I really liked that book when I read it as a 6th grader. In "Shadow on the Mountain," I especially liked the historical photos, the timeline, and the suggestions for further reading included at the back of the book. I bought this book for my 12-year-old grandson, but I just had to read it first before I gave it to him. His mother doesn't like crudeness, but there is only one instance of bathroom humor. And a friend of the main character is killed.
8 people found this helpful
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Ann Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Fiction
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021
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An excellent book to show how kids were involved in fighting for freedom during WW II.
2 people found this helpful
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sharon sinclair
5.0 out of 5 stars A Story of Historic Significance
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2013
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I gave this book to my grandson for Christmas and should really get a review from him, but I did read it before gifting it and found it well-written and historically accurate. The fifteen year old hero was presented as an actual teenager and not a super hero. His thoughts and reactions seemed age appropriate, but the story still made the case that people of all ages faced extreme challenges when their country was occupied.
One person found this helpful
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dorothy
3.0 out of 5 stars A Lot of Plot
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2013
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While the story of Norway resistance during WWII was a revelation to me, the writing seemed simplistic until I realized I was reading a book aimed at the younger reader. For the young reader, it is a fine book, though lacking in literary appeal. The part I liked best was the boy's description of the sensation of cross country skiing and the description of the terrain. That was a "you are there" feeling.
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Rancid Crabtree
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story of history for kids to read
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2019
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Great story and easy read ! I read this book when I was a kid and bought it for my son, he couldn’t put it down .
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Top reviews from other countries

b c litherland
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read. Captured the folk lore and the resistance ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2015
Verified Purchase
Excellent read. Captured the folk lore and the resistance so well. The fear that the people suffered came through. Glad I read it/
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