- Writer: Alan Gratz
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Published: 2017
- Published by: Scholastic Press.
- Length: 320 pages
- Setting: during World War II, with a focus on the D-Day( June 6, 1944) invasion.
- Age Warning: 10+ (due to its historical context & intense war-related scenes)
- Translated: Over 20 languages
Do You Know : The book Allies has won the following awards
- Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor and National Book Award finalist in 2017
- Coretta Scott King Award winner in 2018
- Newbery Honor winner in 2018
Short Allies Summary
Allies is an action-packed historical novel where six young individuals, each with their unique backgrounds and struggles, actively navigate the challenges of the D-Day invasion, displaying remarkable bravery and resilience throughout the gripping narrative.
One-Line Synopsis
In Allies, six young individuals from diverse backgrounds navigate the challenges of the D-Day invasion, displaying bravery and resilience in the face of war.
2-Sentence Allies Summary
Allies follow six young individuals during the D-Day invasion, including an African-American soldier struggling with his German heritage, a courageous Algerian girl aiding the French Resistance, and a paratrooper navigating enemy lines. Their intertwined stories of bravery, identity, and resilience showcase the diverse perspectives and challenges faced during World War II’s pivotal moment.
Plot Summary
In Allies, a group of six young individuals from diverse backgrounds actively participate in and navigate the challenges of the D-Day invasion during World War II. They display bravery, resilience, and determination as they confront their own personal struggles and fight for victory against the Axis powers.
Detailed Allies Summary and Review
Main Characters
The book Allies follows the stories of several characters during World War II.
- Dee Carpenter: An African-American soldier from the United States.
- Samira Zidane: A young girl from France whose family is part of the Resistance.
- James McKay: A Canadian paratrooper participating in the D-Day invasion.
- Bill Richards: An English soldier who is part of the British forces landing on D-Day.
- Henry Allen: A young soldier from Australia who fights alongside British forces.
- Monique Marchand: A French girl who helps the Resistance and encounters Dee Carpenter.
Allies is an exciting and captivating historical fiction novel that delves into the dramatic events surrounding the D-Day invasion of World War II. The narrative follows the thrilling journeys of six young individuals, each with their own unique backgrounds and challenges, as they navigate the complexities of war and strive to make a difference.
Dee Carpenter – A Dual Identity & German Heritage
Dee Carpenter, an African-American soldier fighting for the Allies, grapples with a profound inner conflict. Born to German parents, he struggles with the fear of his fellow soldiers’ judgment if they discover his German heritage. Throughout the book, Dee’s journey of self-discovery intertwines with his battle on the front lines.
Samira Zidane – A Courageous Resistance Fighter
Samira Zidane, a fearless young girl, hails from an Algerian background. Her unique perspective on the war adds depth to the narrative. Samira becomes an integral part of the French Resistance, actively participating in their efforts to thwart the Nazis. However, her personal stakes are raised as her mother becomes a captive of the enemy, intensifying her determination to fight for liberation.
Henry Allen – A Barrier-Breaking Medic
Henry Allen, a skilled and dedicated medic, not only confronts the horrors of war but also battles against racial segregation within the military. As a black soldier in a segregated army, Henry faces adversity on multiple fronts. His unwavering commitment to saving lives and challenging the status quo adds a powerful layer to the story.
Monique Marchand – Spirited Civilian
Monique Marchand, a courageous civilian, showcases unwavering patriotism and determination. Her involvement with the French Resistance highlights the critical role civilians played during the war. Monique’s encounters with Dee Carpenter deepen their connection and amplify the themes of unity and collaboration.
James McKay – A Paratrooper’s Struggle Behind Enemy Lines
James McKay, a brave paratrooper, finds himself alone and stranded behind enemy lines. Separated from his comrades, James must rely on his resourcefulness and resilience to navigate hostile territory and reunite with his fellow soldiers. His harrowing journey provides a suspenseful and gripping subplot within the larger narrative.
My Honest Opinion
After diving into the amazing book Allies, I was blown away by the exciting story it told. It felt like I was right there in the midst of World War II, experiencing the bravery and challenges of the diverse characters. The action was intense, and I couldn’t put the book down! It made me think about how important it is to stay true to ourselves and work together, no matter our differences.
Highly Recommend
I highly recommend Allies to anyone who wants an exciting and emotional adventure through the realities of war.
Lessons From Allies
- Bravery can be found in the most unexpected places and in individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Identity and heritage can shape a person’s journey, but it should not limit their potential or contribution.
- Overcoming adversity requires resilience, determination, and the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
- Unity and collaboration are powerful forces that can lead to triumph in the face of overwhelming odds.
- The sacrifices made by individuals during times of war should never be forgotten or taken for granted.
- History provides valuable lessons that can inspire and guide us in our own lives.
- The human spirit is capable of extraordinary acts of courage, compassion, and selflessness, even in the darkest of times.
Conclusive Note
Allies is an exciting and thought-provoking novel that reminds us of the power of bravery, unity, and strength in the face of trouble. Through its compelling characters and gripping record, it imparts valuable lessons about the strength of the human spirit and the importance of standing together in times of war and turmoil. This book is a thrilling journey that will leave you inspired and in awe of the extraordinary capabilities that lie within us all.
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