Trapped Behind Nazi Lines: The Story of the U.S. Army Air Force 807th Medical Evacuation Squadron

by Eric Braun

Overview

In the midst of World War II, a group of Army Air Force medical workers found themselves trapped behind enemy lines after surviving a plane crash. What followed were two months of sheer terror. Vivid details bring to light how they survived and the emotions they faced on a daily basis. Primary-source quotes bring the story to life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781623706050
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	01/01/2016
Series:	Encounter: Narrative Nonfiction Stories Series
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	456,820
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	920L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Eric Braun is a children’s author and editor. He has written dozens of books on many topics, and one of his books was read by an astronaut on the International Space Station for kids on Earth to watch. Eric lives in Minneapolis with his wife, two kids, and a dog who is afraid of cardboard.

Table of Contents

The luck of the hunted — Crash landing! — You're in Albania — Unlikely heroes — Nazi attack — Keep climbing — Reunited — Blizzard! — Help from the British — Duffy and his chickens — German avalanche — Christmas and a near rescue — Hiking by night — To the sea-and across — Saving the final three.

Interviews

maps, survivor profiles, primary-source quotes, glossary, read more, internet links, Critical thinking questions, select bibliography, index

Editorial Reviews

...an engaging story that will provide students with a unique look of the experiences of people during World War II. The danger and heart-stopping experiences of these men and women will appeal to young kids. For those with a broad collection, this would be an excellent addition.

Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews

Here is the story of how military workers found themselves behind enemy lines. The survival and rescue of the men and women gives a real-life perspective with primary-source quotes and photographs.

Teacher Librarian

06/01/2016
Gr 5 Up—Fans of survival stories and wartime thrillers will be immediately engaged by this tale. When their plane crashed deep in Nazi-occupied Albania, the members of the 807th were in very serious peril. Their spectacular crash drew attention from friends and foes alike, and unfortunately, as a squadron of nurses and medics, the 807th had virtually no weapons. With the help of Albanian rebels, the Americans were secreted away from the crash, then separated by a bombing strike, and finally led over treacherous mountain paths to rendezvous with British and American spies at the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Covered in lice, sick with dysentery, and walking uphill through blizzards, the 807th overcame insurmountable odds to make their escape to Italy and live to tell this gripping tale. The true story draws on primary sources (the autobiographies of members of the squadron) to create a tense wild-goose chase, with the threat of Nazis lurking behind every treeline. Better yet, this is a real World War II story that has not, before now, yet been adapted for young readers. Readers who love Scholastic's historical "I Survived" books will find this true story of escape truly amazing. VERDICT A very readable addition to World War II history collections.—Abby Bussen, Muskego Public Library, WI

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