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. Eleven-year-old Mari grew up tucked under the wings of her parents, grandma, and older siblings. After Hitler's troops invade Norway in Spring 1940, she is forced to grow beyond her "little girl" nickname to deal with harsh new realities. At her side for support and protection is Odin, her faithful elkhound. As the year progresses, Mari, her family, and her neighbors are drawn into the activities of the Norwegian underground resistance. " Readers will cheer for Mari as she develops her inner strength - and the courage to help celebrate Norway's spirit of resistance." - Kathleen Ernst, author of American Girl's Caroline Abbott series for young readers and the Historic Sites Mystery Series featuring Chole Ellefson for adults. "Beautifully written, emotionally taut novel of one girl's coming of age during war time." - Gayle Rosengren, What the Moon Said, (Putnam, 2014).

Odin's Promise

Children's Books

Brehl, Sandy

Animals

Crispin Books

Is It Over?

KA-BOOM! When storms send you running for cover, be brave, look up. Find a story in the storm to calm your fears and you just might help someone you love. IS IT OVER? celebrates the power of love and storytelling to overcome fear. A prowling, growling thunderstorm sends Risa running to Daddy to make it stop. When the storm worsens, Risa wants a story. His childhood storm stories changed while he was a soldier, so they aren't helpful. Inspired by her toy elephant, Ivan, Risa summons the courage to find her own story in the storm, one that helps them both.

Literature & Fiction

Pen It! Publications, LLC

2014 MIDWEST BOOK AWARD GOLD MEDAL for CHILDREN'S FICTION Listed among 2014 BEST BOOKS FOR GIRLS by A MIGHTY GIRL. 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. Eleven-year-old Mari grew up tucked safely under the wings of her parents, grandma, and her older siblings. After Hitler's troops invade Norway in Spring 1940, she is forced to grow beyond her "little girl" nickname to deal with harsh new realities. At her side for support and protection is Odin, her faithful elkhound. As the year progresses, Mari, her family, and her neighbors are drawn into the Norwegian underground resistance movement. "Readers will cheer for Mari as she discovers her inner strength - and the courage to help celebrate Norway's spirit of resistance." -- Kathleen Ernst, author of American Girl's Caroline Abbott series and Chloe Ellefson Mystery series. "Beautifully written, emotionally taut novel of one girl's coming of age during war time." -- Gayle Rosengren

Odin's Promise: A Novel of Norway

Genre Fiction

Outskirts Press

Bjorn's Gift is the second book in the Odin's Promise historical novel trilogy. Teen Mari faces greater hardships and dangers in her small Norwegian village during the second and third years of WWII German occupation. 
Soldiers and Nazi supporters move into her neighborhood, school presents unexpected threats, and oppressive new laws are imposed. Mari assumes increasingly dangerous resistance responsibilities and risks, trusting only her family and a few close friends. She struggles to live up to her brother Bjorn's faith in her and understand how lifelong friends can suddenly become enemies. 
Difficult decisions force her to admit that few things in life are as easily sorted into good or bad, right or wrong as she once believed, including classmate Leif. 1943 signals the start of yet another year in which no one can predict if or when Hitler will be defeated so the Nazi occupation can end. (Conclusion: Mari's Hope)

Bjorn's Gift: Sequel to ODIN'S PROMISE

Mari's Hope