First sentence: Aiden looks up. The sky that had been blue and cloudless only minutes ago is now dark and menacing.
Premise/plot: Courageous is a historical middle grade novel set in Britain focusing on Operation Dynamo (aka Dunkirk). Aiden has been scared of the sea ever since his older brother, Trevor, died during the war. This is a slight problem since his family's line of business is a sea one--fishing. When the call comes for every little boat to do her part--for the civilians to take action and help rescue the troops trapped in France, Aiden's parents say NO, NO WAY, NEVER, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Which is upsetting news for Aiden because his sole surviving brother, George, is one of the men needing rescuing. Their last letter from George--conveniently received earlier that day--places him right there at Dunkirk. Aiden sneaks out of the house and attends a village meeting. A few want to join in the effort--but just as many it seems wants to stay at home and not risk it. Aiden decides that he can play the stubborn game too. He will take his family's boat on his own--nearly on his own, with the help of his best friend, Sally--and go to France. It won't be easy--his parents lock him in his room. But stubborn is stubborn even if stubborn is not necessarily smart. (Too bad he's not smart enough to take food or extra patrol.)
Will Aiden and Sally be able to save George and other soldiers? Or will Aiden and Sally give up their lives in a heroic effort to do so?
My thoughts: I wish this one was not written in third person PRESENT tense. That's the first thought that comes to mind. The second is: how old is Aiden supposed to be?!
I am glad that civilians risked their lives and their livelihoods to come to the aid of the troops. It was a risky affair. If I come across as slightly cranky/skeptical it has more to do with this fictional story than the historical account.
I found this story full of conveniences--a few too many for my liking.
© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
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