Village of Scoundrels: A Novel Based on a True Story of Courage During WWII

In Village of Scoundrels, Newbery Honor recipient Margi Preus tells the incredible true story of a group of French teenagers who helped save refugees in WWII.

Based on the true story of the French villagers in WWII who saved thousands of Jews, this compelling novel tells how a group of young teenagers stood up for what is right.

Among them is a young Jewish boy who learns to forge documents to save his mother and later goes on to save hundreds of lives with his forgery skills. There is also a girl who overcomes her fear to carry messages for the Resistance. And a boy who smuggles people into Switzerland.

But there is always the threat that they will be caught: A policeman is sent to keep an eye on them, German soldiers reside in a local hotel, and eventually the Gestapo arrives, armed with guns and a list of names. As the knot tightens, the young people must race against time to bring their friends to safety.

“Preus conveys the tales of heroism and resistance of the village teens with a story that is filled with suspense and intrigue . . . Readers will be inspired by these teens that stood for what is right and who, through their actions, saved the lives.” —School Library Connection (Starred Review)