The story of a young French boy during the WWII German occupation. When five-year-old Alain, a little boy living n Paris, is strafed by German planes at the onset of the German invasion in 1940, his world is instantly turned on its head. During the next four years, like the children who fight to survive today's many conflicts around the world, he grows up fast and must be mentally strong and alert to stay safe. With limited parental support, Alain and his young friends face increasing deprivation, devastating hunger and constant fear of the occupying German soldiers, with their intimidating rules and random street blockades and checkpoints. He also dreads the Allies' air raids, although he knows the bombers are on his side.After being silent for four years, one day all the churches of Paris ring their bells to celebrate the end of the occupation, and Alain welcomes the American GIs who fought bravely to liberate him. His story -- of fear and courage, despair and determination -- is laced with the realism only an author who lived through the occupation himself can provide, bringing this bittersweet, beautifully rendered novel to vivid life.