Village of Scoundrels (A Novel Based on a True Story of Courage During WWII)

By Margi Preus

In Village of Scoundrels, Newbery Honor recipient Margi Preus tells the incredible true story of a group of French teenagers who helped save refugees in WWII

Based on the true story of the French villagers in WWII who saved thousands of Jews, this novel tells how a group of young teenagers stood up for what is right. Among them is a young Jewish boy who learns to forge documents to save his mother and later goes on to save hundreds of lives with his forgery skills. There is also a girl who overcomes her fear to carry messages for the Resistance. And a boy who smuggles people into Switzerland.

But there is always the threat that they will be caught: A policeman is sent to keep an eye on them, German soldiers reside in a local hotel, and eventually the Gestapo arrives, armed with guns and a list of names. As the knot tightens, the young people must race against time to bring their friends to safety.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1419782541
• ISBN13: 9781419782541
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Amulet Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9