Under a War-Torn Sky
Prequel to A Troubled Peace
 Just 19-years-old, Henry Forester is the youngest pilot in his Air Force squadron. Still, he’s one of the best fliers, facing Hitler’s Luftwaffe in the war-torn skies above France. But when his plane is shot down on a mission behind enemy lines, Henry finds himself on a whole new battleground. Wounded, hungry, and afraid, he struggles toward freedom on foot, relying on the kindness and cunning of the French Resistance to reach the next town alive. Each day brings him nearer to home and closer to danger. Yet even as Henry struggles for his own survival in a hostile country, he quickly grows to realize the great peril that surrounds all the French people, and to admire the strength and determination of the freedom fighters who risk death to protect him.
Gripping, suspenseful, and achingly true, this thought-provoking novel explores the heartbreak of war, the strength of the human spirit, and one young man’s struggle to regain and protect the people he loves.
Awards and Reviews
Notable Book in Social Studies for Young People (NCSS/CBC), 2002
Jefferson Cup Honor Book, 2002
Winner, Borders’ Original Voices Award for Young Adult Literature, 2001
Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2002, Bank Street College of Education, CBC
Maryland Black-eyed Susan Award, finalist, 2004-5
Iowa Teen Award, finalist, 2003-4
Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice, finalist, 2002-3
South Carolina Jr. Book Award, finalist, 2003-4
Books About Trauma, Tragedy and Loss, 2002, CBC
“An emotional, action-packed gem!
“Henry encounters many different people, each one touching his life in an important way. Henry grows from a naive boy to a strong man with a survivor's instincts, experiencing the true complexity of the human spirit. Elliott paints a picture of war that we don't often see, one that is away from the battles, showing life and death in a war-ravaged land. She illustrates through her well-planned story lines how one can prevail through the most adverse of conditions, bringing up many ethical and moral questions.
“An engrossing thrill-ride.”
— Kliatt
“It’s packed with action, intrigue, and suspense, but this novel celebrates acts of kindness and heroism without glorifying war.
“Henry Forester, a young B-24 flier, is a complex mix of insecurities, unresolved feelings about his punitive father, and heroic aspiration. On his fifteenth mission, he is shot down, having no idea where he has landed. His journey back through Nazi occupied Europe and his involvement with the French Resistance are depicted with chilling realism. Small details (bike wheels in France were made of wood because the Germans had confiscated all the rubber) add both credibility and appeal to this gripping adventure.”
— Booklist
“Hank is a smart, strong, and courageous character.”
— School Library Journal
“A powerful debut novel of adventure and salvation. Readers, young and old, will be moved by this fine book.”
— Children's Literature
“Elliott’s fluid style is woven together with vivid historical details from WWII, appropriate for adolescents who seek suspense-filled adventures. Inspired by true stories of WWII, Elliott captures the courage, self-sacrifice, and bravery of the French Resistance forces. Fans of history, culture, language, or just good storytelling will definitely want to read this."
— BookPage
“This book is full of danger, terror, surprises, and tenderness.”
— Teaching & Learning
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