Behind Enemy Lines

A Young Pilot's Story
Author(s): 
H. R. DeMallie
Number of pages: 
178 pages
Copyright: 
2000
Publisher: 
Sterling Publishing, Co.
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This is a fascinating personal account of a U.S. Air Force pilot who was shot down over Holland and spent the rest of World War II in a POW camp in Germany. He wrote it specifically to honor the Dutch who took care of him at great peril to their own lives. It was a particularly interesting read after being acquainted with Hilda Van Stockum's The Winged Watchman as locations and situations are very similar. The narrative is simple and understated (and very REAL), but you can imagine the voice of a grandfather sharing his adventures and impressions with the young people of today. The epilogue is particularly fascinating and makes it even more clear why the author wanted to write down his story for others. Violence and a few choice words make this most appropriate for seventh grade and up. It is a particularly fast read (extra-wide spacing also helps!) making it a good choice for older reluctant readers.
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
2-26-2008