Another triumph for Tom Palmer. Anyone who is a fan of Tom's other historically based books will not be disappointed by this extremely fantastic story of bravery, compassion and determination. Edda is a wonderful protagonist who's highs and lows you feel as the story unfolds. Based in occupied Netherlands in World War II you follow the story of Edda and her family as they battle through life under German occupation. Wishing to show resistance against the enemy, brave Edda takes in a never of secret tasks, which could at any moment backfire and plunge Edda and a family into danger. This is a must read for anyone interested in World War II or teaching World War II as a topic in school

This is such an important and compelling tale.Acclaimed author Tom Palmer takes the little known story of how Audrey Hepburn worked for the Dutch resistance ahead of the battle of Arnhem. Audrey, portrayed as Edda lives with her family whilst secretly helping deliver newsletters for the local resistance movement.As the years pass we Experience with her,the gradual breakdown of both her family life as well as her health ,whilst she negotiates a lack of food,the arrival of refugees to her house and finally her mother’s secret.
Written for Barrington Stoke publishers, this is an accessible tale for many readers,It comes at a time when the emotions it arouses feel more pertinent because of what is going on globally today.These “hidden histories” matter as it is only by the telling of them that societies can learn from them and move forward to make better judgements.This is a book that needs to be read.

The Netherlands in the early 1940s was occupied by Nazis ruling by fear. Audrey’s name had been changed to Edda which was less British and therefore less suspicious. But her elder brother was in hiding and although not yet an adult her other brother was rounded up and taken off to somewhere her family did not know.
Edda was helping at the hospital washing bandages but she had also been recruited to run errands for the Dutch Resistance delivering newsletters letting people know what was happening with the war. Radios were confiscated by the Nazis to avoid the local inhabitants knowing progress. However Edda’s family knew a friend who had managed to hang onto theirs and they all listened surreptitiously knowing they would be in danger if discovered.
Edda loved to dance and missed her ballet lessons. But she was asked to dance to raise money for the Resistance which she was pleased to do.
Conditions became worse until one day ‘dots’ were seen in the sky which the town soon realised were Allies parachuting in to rescue the country. But progress was slow and meanwhile the local residents slowly starved on meagre rations.
There were further scares for Edda and her family before the end of war was declared when they looked for news about Edda’s brothers.
Ballet is an important part of this story and the fear and dreadful living conditions convey the effects of war on ordinary citizens. The fact that Edda/Audrey became one of the most iconic figures of the film industry in later years was only hinted at within the story but will cause many readers to reflect on lives of big stars before fame hit.

Lump in throat, heart in mouth, tears brimming moments!

There were some harrowing moments, there were moments of pure elation all mixed in together make this a compelling and gripping read. I really enjoyed the narrative perspective, an unlikely hero but a hero none the less. Despite knowing that the war ended, the stories of the individuals effected by the war make stories like these heartbreaking.

'Resist' is another powerful and well-written historical story by Tom Palmer for Barrington Stoke. Edda is an English-speaking Dutch teenage girl who volunteers to help the resistance during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. She starts off delivering the resistance newspaper but later finds herself performing as a dancer at a fundraising evening, taking in refugees from a nearby town which has been bombed, and helping Allied airmen to escape. She and her family also have to cope with other challenges, including the absence of her brothers and a grinding and relentless hunger through the winter of 1944/5.

As with previous books I've read by Tom Palmer, 'Resist' is really well-researched and brings to life another aspect of wartime history that is not often discussed. It is also written with real economy, allowing us to become fully invested in Edda's story in a short space of time. Barrington Stoke books are designed to be accessible to reluctant readers but to appeal to all, and this book once again fulfils that brief - this is book that can be enjoyed by any older primary or younger secondary readers. Above all, it is a moving story of a young person who chooses to be brave in the most difficult of circumstances. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC to review.

I love Barrington Stoke and this latest book with Tom Palmer does not disappoint.
Packed with the historical truths that Tom Palmer is known for Resist tells the story of an extraordinary young girl as fights for everyone she loves and everything she believes to be right. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you thought it might break you.

As always, it is clear from the onset that Tom has researched the topic/context that his story is going to immerse the reader in. He is without doubt the Master of Historical Fiction for children. He knows how to engage the audience and in Resist he works his magic once again. The fear that Edda our main protagonist feels is palpable; the sense of foreboding stalks the pages. Edda dislikes the Nazis especially since the events surrounding the death of her uncle and they are the reason her older brother is in hiding. They are occupying her home country and stiffling lives of ordinary folk. She becomes part of the Dutch resistance. She will not succumb to the overbearing malevolence of the German soldiers and their constant threat of enslavement, arrest or worse - death. Tom does not shy away from the horrors of WW2 and the inhuman way that German soldiers treat those they considered to be worthless.
Once again Tom has brought events from WW2 alive and ensured that another piece of history will not be forgotten. Inspired by the childhood of Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn this is going to be another hugely successful publication.

Barrington Stoke have again published a sensational read with a stunning cover. The art work is a delight & this book should be on the ks2 and ks3 list of must reads. A triumphant 5 star read.

Huge thank you to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for this early review opportunity.