Eloise Undercover

This wonderful adventure story is set in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War and it tells the tale of young Eloise, whose father and best friend have disappeared. Eloise's world is becoming unrecognisable, with troops patrolling the streets of her small town, curfews in place, townsfolk disappearing and terrible rumours circulating about their fate. With some people collaborating with the occupying forces and a courageous few working secretly for the Resistance, Eloise is unsure whom to trust, yet she is determined to find her missing father and her friend before it is too late. I was utterly gripped by this story to the very last page. The pace of the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, desperate to find out whether Eloise would be successful in her mission. The first-person narrative is skilfully woven to draw in the reader and I loved the central character of Eloise whose bravery, tenacity and resilience shine through. We get to experience danger alongside her and I am sure not the only reader to have found myself holding my breath at some points! Far from being a straightforward adventure, this book has much to tell us about what it must have been like to live in Occupied France. Fear, suspicion, loss and hunger were a daily reality for people and this story shines a light onto an important and dark part of European history, in a way that is appropriate for a Middle Grade audience. It is also a period that holds enduring fascination for many young readers and I for one will be delighted to recommend this book to those readers who regularly return to the library requesting 'another book about the war, please'. I feel sure that they will devour this very special tale, just as I did. 347pp / Recommended age: 9+ / Reviewed by Emily Marcuccilli, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+