Odin's Promise: A Novel of Norway (Odin's Promise Trilogy Book 1)

Odin’s Promise is a historical novel for middle-grade readers, a story of the first year of German occupation of Norway in World War II, as seen through the eyes of a young girl. When Hitler’s troops invade Norway in April 1940, eleven-year-old Mari is forced to grow beyond her “little girl” nickname to deal with harsh new realities in her small village. At her side is Odin, her faithful Norwegian elkhound. Mari, her family, and her neighbors are soon drawn into the underground resistance movement, as young and old find ways to oppose the occupying forces and show their love for their native land. The year will bring many challenges, as Mari confronts danger, develops her inner strength, and finds she is able to endure hardship and heartache. Odin’s Promise is a wonderful middle-grade novel, especially for dog lovers, for Norwegian Americans and other European-Americans whose ancestors were involved in World War II resistance movements, and for all who enjoy reading stories about World War II history. Author Sandy Brehl is a teacher and member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. She lives in Muskego, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee.