Espen begins his start as a spy when his teacher asks him to begin delivering underground newspapers that tell the truth about what the Nazis are doing in Norway and other places. Some of his buddies are doing the same thing. They form a kind of club with an escape hiding place up in the mountains, just in case they need to flee to Sweden.
Espen moves up into the role of courier, delivering coded messages and supplies to Resistance members when he meets Tante Marie at Fox Farm.
He travels on skiis and on bicycle when he is not walking. Some of his friends will betray him. He will also find new friends and love. Some of his friends will side with the Gestapo and try to track him when they become suspicious. Who can he trust? What is his sister up to? How can he protect his family? This is a thrilling novel and is a great read for middle school students. It is also a terrific read for World War II units.
Reviews:
School Library Journal
http://www.slj.com/2012/10/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-shadow-on-the-mountain/#_
Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/margi-preus/shadow-mountain-preus/
I have not found literature guides yet on this 2012 novel.
