The War Below

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

In this historical novel of WWII Luka and his family are taken from their home in Kiev, Ukraine. Luka, a young teenager, ends up in a labor camp. He escapes leaving behind his friend Lida, who he vows he will find again. Luka's manner of escape is gruesome, yet he finds it comforting since he is surrounded by the bodies of his friends and fellow captives. He ends up meeting and working with the underground Ukrainian Insurgent Army fighting both the Nazis and the Soviets. This well written story of survival is filled with harrowing and moving events. The author uses flashbacks to explain the background of Luka's life. The notes at the end include the framework of the story describing some key historical events. This title was previously published by Scholastic Canada as The Underground Soldier in 2014 as part of a trilogy. The other titles in the trilogy are Stolen Child and Making Bombs for Hitler. I highly recommend this inspiring and informational book for older middle grade and middle school students.

Overall Book Score: very good