For Freedom by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Last night I started a book that would unexpectedly thrust itself into my list of classics. The story For Freedom, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is one of the best stories I've read since my youth. I have placed it among my classics such as Great Expectations, Johnny Tremain, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Little Princess, The Secret Garden, Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn, and Hamlet.

For Freedom is about a young girl of fifteen who finds herself not only a talented Opera singer, but also a French spy during WWII. Her tale includes passing notes to other spies (sometimes right under German solider's noses), witnessing the brutality of bombs and having nightmares after having seen a pregnant woman blown apart before her eyes. Her endless prayers for strength make you want to send up a few prayers yourself so that she might remain safe. I think it's a wonderful book for young readers, especially those who enjoy stories that empower women.

Perhaps the best thing about this story (and also the worst) is it is a fictional story based on nonfictional events.

There is only one bad thing about this book: the copy I got is a first-edition hardback but is lacking the sleeve. Now that's a sad tale!