“She fell asleep, and it was a sleep as thin as the night, threaded with dreams that were vaporous and shifting.”
Chapter 1: Why Are You Running?
Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend, Ellen Rosen, are stopped by German soldiers while racing home in Copenhagen in 1943. The soldiers question them harshly, but the girls remain composed. Annemarie’s family discusses the increasing Nazi presence and the growing danger for Jewish families like the Rosens.
Chapter 2: Who Is the Man Who Rides Past?
Annemarie recalls happier times before the war, including stories of her late sister, Lise, who died in a mysterious accident. The girls see a German soldier on horseback, a reminder of the occupation. Annemarie’s parents quietly prepare for the possibility of helping the Rosens escape.
Chapter 3: Where Is Mrs. Hirsch?
The girls notice that Mrs. Hirsch, the Jewish shopkeeper, has disappeared, and her store is closed. Annemarie’s mother explains that Jewish businesses are being shut down by the Nazis. Ellen’s parents discuss the need to flee, and Ellen comes to stay with the Johansens, pretending to be Annemarie’s sister.
Chapter 4: It Will Be a Long Night
German soldiers arrive at the Johansen apartment, searching for the Rosens. Annemarie’s father cleverly distracts them by showing them baby photos of Lise, claiming Ellen is their deceased daughter. The soldiers leave, but the family knows they must act quickly to smuggle Ellen and her parents to safety.
Chapter 5: Who Is the Dark-Haired One?
Annemarie, her mother, and Ellen travel to Uncle Henrik’s seaside home in Gilleleje. Along the way, they encounter more soldiers, but Annemarie’s mother remains calm. Ellen poses as Annemarie’s sister, and they pass inspection. Once at Henrik’s house, they prepare for the next phase of the escape plan.
Chapter 6: Is the Weather Good for Fishing?
Uncle Henrik speaks in coded language about the upcoming mission to smuggle Jews to Sweden. Annemarie is confused but senses the gravity of the situation. Henrik explains that the weather must be “good for fishing” for the plan to work, hinting at the need for secrecy.
Chapter 7: The House by the Sea
Annemarie learns that her mother and Henrik are part of the Danish Resistance. They prepare a fake funeral to gather Jewish refugees before smuggling them by boat to Sweden. Annemarie is kept in the dark for her safety but begins to piece together the plan.
Chapter 8: There Has Been a Death
The fake funeral takes place, allowing Jewish families to gather without suspicion. Annemarie realizes the coffin is empty and that the gathering is a cover for the escape. That night, the refugees, including Ellen’s parents, are taken to Henrik’s boat under the cover of darkness.
Chapter 9: Why Are You Lying?
Annemarie’s mother injures her ankle while helping the refugees board the boat. Annemarie is left behind with her younger sister, Kirsti. When soldiers arrive, questioning the family, Annemarie lies convincingly, protecting the secret. She later discovers a dropped package meant for Henrik.
Chapter 10: Let Us Open the Casket
Annemarie bravely takes the package—a handkerchief treated with a special chemical—and runs through the woods to deliver it to Henrik. She is stopped by soldiers but uses her innocence to avoid suspicion. She reaches the shore just as Henrik’s boat departs.
Chapter 11: Will We See Ellen Again?
Henrik returns safely, confirming that the refugees made it to Sweden. Annemarie learns the handkerchief’s purpose: its scent confuses Nazi dogs, allowing the escapees to go undetected. The war eventually ends, and while Ellen and her family survive, Annemarie reflects on the bravery of ordinary people.
Chapter 12: Where Was Mama?
Annemarie’s mother recovers from her injury, and the family returns to Copenhagen. Annemarie retrieves Ellen’s Star of David necklace, hidden for safekeeping, and vows to return it when they reunite. The story closes with hope for peace and the resilience of friendship.
Key Ideas
- The courage of ordinary people in resisting oppression.
- The importance of friendship and loyalty in times of crisis.
- The role of deception and secrecy in survival during war.
- The impact of Nazi occupation on Danish citizens.
- The power of innocence and bravery in overcoming fear.
Who should read this book?
- Young readers learning about World War II and the Holocaust.
- Educators seeking historical fiction with themes of resistance and morality.
- Readers interested in stories of bravery and human resilience.