Uprising
World War II began in 1939 with the ferocious invasion of Poland by Germany, Russia, and the Slovak Republic. Thirty-five days later, Poland was an occupied nation. Although the Polish military was destroyed, the spirit of resistance still breathed among the Polish people.
In Uprising, author Nielsen recounts the brave story of twelve-year-old Lidia, who, after her father leaves to join the Polish army and her brother joins the resistance in Warsaw, is moved to do whatever she can to help her people. She begins by smuggling food to the Jews trapped in the Warsaw Ghetto. When the Jewish uprising in the ghetto is violently put down by the Nazis, Lidia is emboldened to join in the citywide uprising a year later. Too young to be a fighter, the resistance at first uses her as a courier, and to smuggle weapons and messages to fighters throughout the city. But her bravery soon gives her a more dangerous role in the fight against the Nazis.
Based on the true-life adventures of Lidia Zakrzewski, this novel is an exciting page-turner. The history is well researched but never becomes heavy-handed. There are important themes underlying the history as Lidia discovers courage she never knew she had, not only in fighting enemies but in choosing her own path away from a mother from whom she feels estranged. This thrilling and moving novel is highly recommended.
