Village of Scoundrels

A Novel Based on a True Story of Courage During WWII

Margi Preus

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English

Amulet Paperbacks
12 January 2026

Historical fiction (Children's&YA); Young Adult

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.

By: Margi Preus
Imprint: Amulet Paperbacks
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 210mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 27mm
Weight: 476g
ISBN: 9781419782541
ISBN 10: 1419782541
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 12 January 2026
Recommended Age: From 10 to 14 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Margi Preus is the author of the Newbery Honor book Heart of a Samurai and other books for young readers. Her books have won multiple awards, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, been honored as ALA/ALSC Notables, selected as an NPR Backseat Book Club pick, chosen for community reads, and translated into many languages. When not writing, Margi enjoys traveling, speaking, and visiting schools all over the world. At home in Duluth, MN, she likes to ski, hike, paddle, or sit quietly with a book in her lap.

Reviews for Village of Scoundrels: A Novel Based on a True Story of Courage During WWII

""Fascinating. . . Readers inspired by communities making a difference--and in WWII and Holocaust history--will find much of interest here.""-- ""Booklist"" ""Preus crafts a delicate balance of the characters' interweaving tales and the community that bands together to protect its vulnerable population.""-- ""Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"" **STARRED REVIEW** ""Both thrilling and chilling, Village of Scoundrels will surely keep readers engrossed from start to finish.""-- ""Shelf Awareness"" **STARRED REVIEW** ""Each character's backstory is woven seamlessly into the action. Preus builds suspense and drama by following these brave souls as they take on dangerous tasks... Deeply emotional, intense, and thought-provoking.""-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" **STARRED REVIEW** ""Preus conveys the tales of heroism and resistance of the village teens with a story that is filled with suspense and intrigue... Readers will be inspired by these teens that stood for what is right and who, through their actions, saved the lives.""-- ""School Library Connection"" **STARRED REVIEW** ""Preus weaves the teens' backstories and individual dreams into the mounting dangers each faces and poignantly renders the quietly courageous and supportive community... An inspiring narrative founded on a real-life community and individuals.""-- ""Publishers Weekly""