Interesting, but not as compelling writing-wise as some I've read. Good for teens wanting MOAR WWII. ( )

Sabotage is a gripping account of the efforts by Norwegian resistance fighters to disrupt and attack Hitler's forces in occupied Norway during World War 2. These efforts primarily focused on attacks on a facility that produced "heavy water", and essential component in making an atomic reactor and necessary for the Nazi's to be able to build an atomic bomb. The book is written to a middle grade, YA audience (which is not me), but don't let that dissuade you from picking up this book. Bascomb has done a wonderful job of bringing the historical events to life and making them relevant and filled with action.

Bascomb sets the story wonderfully, introducing us to the different men who are involved in both the resistance efforts after the German's invade Norway, to the Nazi scientists who are attempting to build an atomic weapon. Since this book is targeted to a younger reader there is not as much depth or detail as you might find in a more scholarly accounting of these events (such as Bascomb's own Winter Fortress), but this works to Bascomb's favor as it allows him to focus on the action and resilience of the intrepid Norwegian resistance fighters. We follow them as they make their escape from Norway - individually and in small groups - to reach England where they are trained in commando tactics. We experience the terror of making a night parachute jump into an occupied land, and the efforts to stay one step ahead of the Gestapo and SS as they pull off their mission. We get to know these men, and understand the reasons why they have chosen to fight and resist the occupation of their homeland, even at the terrible cost that war inevitably brings.

I checked out the audio version from my local library. The narration was performed by Jason Culp who did a wonderful job of pronouncing the Norwegian names and giving a level of drama and urgency to the action.

I recommend this title for anybody interested in history and World War 2 history. The events of the story may have taken place in a less well-known theater of the war, but the efforts of the commandos and resistance fights had a major impact on the war's outcome. It is action-packed and a wonderful account of the skill of commandos working in a harsh environment. ( )

Neal Bascomb delivers another nail-biting work of nonfiction for young adults in this incredible true story of spies and survival.

The invasion begins at night, with German cruisers slipping into harbor, and soon the Nazis occupy all of Norway. They station soldiers throughout the country. They institute martial rule. And at Vemork, an industrial fortress high above a dizzying gorge, they gain access to an essential ingredient for the weapon that could end World War II: Hitler’s very own nuclear bomb.

When the Allies discover the plans for the bomb, they agree Vemork must be destroyed. But after a British operation fails to stop the Nazis’ deadly designs, the task falls to a band of young Norwegian commandos. Armed with little more than skis, explosives, and great courage, they will survive months in the snowy wilderness, elude a huge manhunt, and execute two dangerous missions. The result? The greatest act of sabotage in all of World War II.

In August 1945, atomic bombs were dropped on Japan bringing World War II to an end. But the United States wasn't the only nation pursuing the development of atomic weapons. Germany also had a program, and was perhaps closer than we realize to achieving that goal - except for a small handful of Norwegian resistance fighters.

When Germany invaded Norway, they instituted martial law and took a great interest in Vemork, an industrial producer of 'heavy water' - a key ingredient in atomic testing. Several Norwegians who had escaped to Great Britain, such as Leif Tronstad, Knut Haukelid, Einar Skinnarlad and others, were trained and mounted operations to destroy the manufacturing capacity of Vemork. Although there were setbacks, delays, and even disasters, the efforts of these men who loved their country were probably essential to preventing Germany from developing a weapon that could destroy entire cities.

This is the shorter young-adult version of [b:The Winter Fortress: The Epic Mission to Sabotage Hitler’s Atomic Bomb|25897720|The Winter Fortress The Epic Mission to Sabotage Hitler’s Atomic Bomb|Neal Bascomb|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1443466025s/25897720.jpg|45780681]. It is an easier read and filled with photos of the people and history of this act of sabotage. And it's a great read - especially for those who want an abbreviated history of the events. Initially I counted myself in that group, although I think I would have enjoyed the fuller version more. While this is an excellent book, particularly for the target audience and those who aren't used to dense histories, the narrative sometimes sounds a little simplistic. But it's still a very inspirational story and I enjoyed it. ( )

SABOTAGE: THE MISSION TO DESTROY HITLER’S ATOMIC BOMBS by Neal Bascomb is a young adult edition of the best selling adult book “The Winter Fortress”.

This nonfiction narrative tells the true story of a band of young Norwegian commandos who survive in the winter wilderness and execute two dangerous missions to sabotage Nazi plans to build a nuclear bomb. Filled with technical details and vivid descriptions, Bascomb successful brings this historical event to life for readers.

Librarians will find that this fast-paced story of WWII era espionage will be popular among teens who enjoy historical fiction, military works, and narrative nonfiction. The author’s use of primary source documents including many photographs and maps add authenticity and drama to this true story. Add this title to the library’s growing number of quality works of narrative nonfiction for young adults.

Published by Scholastic on May 31, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )