Tamar (novel) facts for kids
Front cover of first edition
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| Author | Mal Peet |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult historical novel, war novel (underground) |
| Publisher | Walker Books |
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Publication date
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3 October 2005 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 432 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 978-0-7445-6570-6 |
| OCLC | 61129424 |
| LC Class | PZ7.P3564 Tam 2007 |
Tamar is an exciting young-adult novel written by Mal Peet. It was first published in 2005. The story cleverly mixes two different time periods: 1995 and the end of World War II in the Netherlands.
In 1995, a 15-year-old girl finds old papers and items from her grandfather. These clues lead her into a secret story from the war. The book takes us back to the Netherlands when it was occupied by German forces. There, we meet two brave Dutch agents trained by the British. They are part of the Dutch Resistance, fighting against the occupation.
Tamar shows how events from the past can still affect people today. It explores strong feelings like love, loyalty, and betrayal during wartime.
Contents
About the Book: Tamar
Tamar is a thrilling historical novel that blends mystery with real-life history. It's a great read for young adults who enjoy stories about secrets and brave heroes. The book is known for its clever way of telling a story across different times.
What's the Story About?
The novel uses a "frame story" structure. This means there's a main story happening in 1995. Inside this, an older story from World War II is told.
- The 1995 Story: A teenage girl named Tamar inherits some mysterious papers and items from her grandfather after he passes away. As she looks through them, she starts to uncover a hidden past. This past involves secrets from the war that her family kept quiet for many years.
- The World War II Story: This part of the book takes place in the Netherlands during 1945. The Netherlands was under German occupation at the time. We follow two secret agents, both named Tamar, who are working for the Dutch Resistance. They were trained in Britain and sent back to their home country to help fight against the Germans.
The book weaves these two stories together. It shows how the brave actions and difficult choices made during the war still have an impact decades later. It's a story about espionage, passion, and betrayal.
The Author: Mal Peet
Mal Peet was a talented British writer. He was known for his young adult novels. He often wrote stories that combined real history with exciting plots. Tamar is one of his most famous works.
Why is it Special? (Awards)
Tamar received a very important award called the Carnegie Medal. This award is given every year by British librarians. It recognizes the best children's book published in the United Kingdom. Winning the Carnegie Medal means a book is considered truly outstanding.
Many libraries around the world have Tamar. This shows how popular and well-regarded the book is.
History in the Book: World War II
The historical part of Tamar is set during the final year of World War II in the Netherlands.
- German Occupation: From 1940 to 1945, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany. This meant German soldiers controlled the country.
- The Resistance: Many Dutch people did not agree with the occupation. They formed secret groups called the Resistance. These groups worked to fight against the Germans. They did things like hiding Jewish people, sabotaging German plans, and sharing secret information. The agents in Tamar are part of this brave Resistance movement.
The book helps readers understand what life was like during this difficult time. It shows the dangers and courage of those who fought for freedom.
