Winner of 2014 Midwest Book Independent Publishers Award for Children’s Fiction!

A Mighty Girl Ten Best Indie Middle-Grade Novels of 2014

“It is spring of 1940, and 11-year-old Mari should be celebrating the long summer days that have finally reached her rural Norwegian village. Instead, she and her family are trying to cope with the recent occupation by Nazi soldiers…Brehl offers a seldom-seen slice of daily life during WWII in this compelling tale of growing up. Strength of family, community, and cultural heritage are prominent themes, and the author does a commendable job illustrating the complex motivations of people on both sides of the war… Recommended for historical-fiction fans and animal lovers alike.” – ALA Booklist

“Mari, a Norwegian girl, is forced to grow up fast when Nazi soldiers occupy her village in 1940. 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 the Caroline Abbott series from American Girl

“Not since Marie McSwigan’s Snow Treasure have I read such a book about the heroic roles children played in the resistance movement in Norway during WWII.” —Carole Estby Dagg, author of The Year We Were Famous

Finalist: 2016 The Eric Hoffer Award for Youth Fiction

“In Bjorn’s Gift, Mari’s small town is occupied by German soldiers, her community divided. Though Mari and her family present an obedient facade, their work with the resistance grows more complicated and more dangerous with each passing day. An exciting read, and a detailed look at Norway’s occupation through the eyes of a young, brave girl.” —Angela Cerrito, author of The Safest Lie

“Brings to life the courage of the Norwegian people during the German occupation. Author Sandy Brehl doesn’t shy away from showing the complex ways individuals respond to hardship and beautifully expresses the strength and hope family provides in the midst of difficulty.” – Caroline Starr Rose, author of Blue Birds and May B.

Bronze Medalist 2017: Moonbeam Children’s Book Award –Historical Novel

“Mari’s Hope transports readers to the cold landscape of wartime Norway, as a brave young heroine faces the cruel reality of oppression to join the resistance and do whatever it takes it save her family and her country.” —Michelle Houts, author of Winterfrost

“Mari’s Hope illuminates an important slice of history through a gripping story featuring an intrepid character.” –Ellen Schwartz, author of Heart of a Champion

“In Mari’s Hope, the third book of a trilogy, author Sandy Brehl has deftly managed to add mystery and suspense into a story whose historical conclusion we all know… This novel, with its well written prose and suspenseful plot will keep lovers of historical fiction—of all ages—glued to the page.” –Stephanie Lowden, author of Jingo Fever

“…In Mari’s Hope, …scenes with the evil German soldier, Goatman, show the cruelty of this time in history while memories of Mari’s beloved dog and the strength of community, family and friends show the tenderness. Sandy Brehl has a knack for educating through telling a compelling story. Mari’s Hope, the last in a trilogy, could also stand alone and would make a great classroom discussion book.” –Amy Laundrie, author of Kayla Montgomery Series.