This is one of the most inspiring books for the YA market that we've seen for a while.  The quality of the writing is so smooth and the storyline so compelling that you'll find you've got to the end in no time. The relationship between the two main young protagonists in World War Two is brilliantly drawn and the account of one of them following capture by the Gestapo draws the reader in to such a degree that you feel you're right there with her.  Don't miss this one.

Other titles from teen/YA imprint Electric Monkey include: Bzrk by Michael Grant (author of the Gone series) and Oliver Twisted by J.D. Sharpe.

Synopsis

Two young women become unlikely best friends during WWII, until one is captured by the Gestapo. Only in wartime could a stalwart lass from Manchester rub shoulders with a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a special operations executive. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted to each other. But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in Verity's own words, as she writes her account for her captors. Truth or lies? Honour or betrayal? Everything they've ever believed in is put to the test...

Reviews

'..one to buy in early 2012, when it's snowing and you want to lose yourself for a while in passionate writing with an utterly compelling story.' - Manda Scott, Historical Writers' Association

'.. a thrill to read. Full of tension and conflicting emotions, I’ll remember this book forever.. I think this book is firstly about friendship, and secondly, but just as prominent, about a woman’s role during the war. Code Name Verity is inspiring. I loved it.' Chicklish

About the Author

Elizabeth Wein was born in New York, and grew up in England, Jamaica and Pennsylvania. She is married with two children and now lives in Perth, Scotland. Elizabeth is a member of the Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots. She was awarded the Scottish Aero Club's Watson Cup for best student pilot in 2003 and it was her love of flying that partly inspired the idea for Code Name Verity. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation