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Code: Elephants on the Moon
As D-Day looms ever closer, a girl in a small town in Normandy joins the Resistance, where she learns some dark family secrets that allow her to follow her own conscience and to understand the coded messages on the radio.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2014
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bohnhoff
23 books86 followersJennifer Bohnhoff is the author of a trilogy of middle grade novels set in New Mexico during the Civil War, a YA novel about a girl who suffers through a wildfire that destroys her home, several stand-alone middle grade historical novels, a duel narrative YA novel that examines the Beowulf story in both a contemporary and paleolithic setting, a series of funny contemporary middle grade novels and an adult novel set on a ranch in Southern New Mexico during WWI.
A former middle school social studies teacher, she loves travel and history.
Mrs. Bohnhoff is the mother of three handsome men, the mother-in-law of three beautiful daughters and the grandmother of three very smart granddaughters and a grandson. She lives in the mountains of central New Mexico with her husband, and a tank of a Rottweiler named Panzer.
Mrs. Bohnhoff is available to present on writing and history both online and in person.
A former middle school social studies teacher, she loves travel and history.
Mrs. Bohnhoff is the mother of three handsome men, the mother-in-law of three beautiful daughters and the grandmother of three very smart granddaughters and a grandson. She lives in the mountains of central New Mexico with her husband, and a tank of a Rottweiler named Panzer.
Mrs. Bohnhoff is available to present on writing and history both online and in person.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 19, 2022
“After the war you can learn your real name and meet your relatives—and learn about God,” Barbe added. Tears of confusion and frustration splashed down Eponine’s face. “But I want to know now. The more answers you give me, the more confused I am. I don’t even know who I am anymore, why I’m in hiding. I don’t know who my father is, or where he is, or what he’s doing. How can I live with all these questions?”
From a fourteen-year-old young woman's perspective, this statement captures the heart of the book perfectly.
I heard about this book through Story Origin, bought it and read it. The name of the book intrigued me and already implied mystery and adventure on its book cover. I wasn't disappointed.
This is a must read for all lovers of historical books. Especially reading about Word War 11 and what it entailed for the people who had to endure the harsh realities.
To a fourteen-year-old, this was even worse. Eponine Lambaol had to grow up quickly. War toughened her in ways we cannot understand unless we have been part of it. And to wonder about your identity amid the war, was a silent grunt she wasn't allowed to utter out loud.
Trust and secrets kept you safe and within her town, she had to learn the lessons of life quickly or face the consequences of talking out of turn.
Bravery and tenacity were two skills that set people apart, but in Eponine, it was her saving grace. On many occasions, she had to display these two skills in spades while German soldiers tried to take advances of her tender, still growing body while bombs went off in the distance. Time to play or give in to teenager fantasies was not on her mind. It was about survival and keeping quiet even when danger loomed over you.
Being a red-head Breton in Normandy wasn't the perfect place to be, but here she lived a life of simplicity while she kept her family safe.
She and her trustworthy horse did things others would shudder about. War taught her the value of family, of doing the right thing no matter the consequences and see-through people.
Who is the enemy, and who is the friend? Was a constant question with no obvious answer. It wasn't about the uniform but the person in the uniform that made this difficult, but she had a way to distinguish and it saved her as well.
A powerful story that will stay with me for a long time. Even more so because it was based on genuine people and true events. The entire book affected me.
Each character, the easy flow of the plot line, the suspense and mystery of the story, it all made this a wonderful read. Truly a wonderful book which I enjoyed till the end.
From a fourteen-year-old young woman's perspective, this statement captures the heart of the book perfectly.
I heard about this book through Story Origin, bought it and read it. The name of the book intrigued me and already implied mystery and adventure on its book cover. I wasn't disappointed.
This is a must read for all lovers of historical books. Especially reading about Word War 11 and what it entailed for the people who had to endure the harsh realities.
To a fourteen-year-old, this was even worse. Eponine Lambaol had to grow up quickly. War toughened her in ways we cannot understand unless we have been part of it. And to wonder about your identity amid the war, was a silent grunt she wasn't allowed to utter out loud.
Trust and secrets kept you safe and within her town, she had to learn the lessons of life quickly or face the consequences of talking out of turn.
Bravery and tenacity were two skills that set people apart, but in Eponine, it was her saving grace. On many occasions, she had to display these two skills in spades while German soldiers tried to take advances of her tender, still growing body while bombs went off in the distance. Time to play or give in to teenager fantasies was not on her mind. It was about survival and keeping quiet even when danger loomed over you.
Being a red-head Breton in Normandy wasn't the perfect place to be, but here she lived a life of simplicity while she kept her family safe.
She and her trustworthy horse did things others would shudder about. War taught her the value of family, of doing the right thing no matter the consequences and see-through people.
Who is the enemy, and who is the friend? Was a constant question with no obvious answer. It wasn't about the uniform but the person in the uniform that made this difficult, but she had a way to distinguish and it saved her as well.
A powerful story that will stay with me for a long time. Even more so because it was based on genuine people and true events. The entire book affected me.
Each character, the easy flow of the plot line, the suspense and mystery of the story, it all made this a wonderful read. Truly a wonderful book which I enjoyed till the end.
March 26, 2024
When a young six-year-old girl and her mother suddenly leave Paris for a coastal village and take on new identies, one can understand how confusing this would be to a young child. Code: Elephants on the Moon is a wonderful read penned by Jennifer Bohnhoff. Mom takes on the name Jacqueline Lambaol and her daughter becomes Eponine. Making it even harder for Eponine to understand is that Jacqueline tells her that the girl's father has gone off to build bridges for an indeterminate amount of time.
The story picks up when Eponine is now 14 after the German army has moved into France. She is treated as an outsider by the locals and only has a couple of close friends. When her best friend, Sarah suddenly moves away with her family, Epinone feels even more lonely. To make matters more challenging, food supplies are limited and being hungry is a daily occurence. The only one who befriends Eponine is the mayor's son, Rene, but his family's loyalties seem to lie with the Germans. Rene is sweet on Eponine and wants her to become his girlfriend.
After a time, Eponine discovers that secrets abound in her house. Eventually, she discovers that her mother and her friend, Barbe, are part of the Resistance. They are secretly trying to aid the Allies, but they must do it without being discovered or they will be put to death. Epinone wants to contribute, but she has to earn the trust of her mother and Barbe. She proves her mettle by accompishing missions on Galopin, her horse.
One thing I thought Bohnhoff did exceptionally well was to show that labels don't define people. Epinone learns that there are Germans who aren't part of the Nazi regime whom she may be able to trust. She is forced to use her instincts and remain on high alert to the details around her. For those who have an interest on World War II, I highly recommend this YA book.
The story picks up when Eponine is now 14 after the German army has moved into France. She is treated as an outsider by the locals and only has a couple of close friends. When her best friend, Sarah suddenly moves away with her family, Epinone feels even more lonely. To make matters more challenging, food supplies are limited and being hungry is a daily occurence. The only one who befriends Eponine is the mayor's son, Rene, but his family's loyalties seem to lie with the Germans. Rene is sweet on Eponine and wants her to become his girlfriend.
After a time, Eponine discovers that secrets abound in her house. Eventually, she discovers that her mother and her friend, Barbe, are part of the Resistance. They are secretly trying to aid the Allies, but they must do it without being discovered or they will be put to death. Epinone wants to contribute, but she has to earn the trust of her mother and Barbe. She proves her mettle by accompishing missions on Galopin, her horse.
One thing I thought Bohnhoff did exceptionally well was to show that labels don't define people. Epinone learns that there are Germans who aren't part of the Nazi regime whom she may be able to trust. She is forced to use her instincts and remain on high alert to the details around her. For those who have an interest on World War II, I highly recommend this YA book.
October 19, 2024
I didn’t immediately get into this book, but it is a compelling story about one girl in a small French town during World War II. The writing became much surer as the story unfolded and I was there with Eponine as she felt the ostracism of the Norman girls because of her red hair and freckles yet felt more loyal to France than those who went along with the Germans occupying the town and nearby area. The amount of research that went into making the reader understand and learn about this difficult time for everyone in France and, in fact, all of Europe is evident. Eponine’s eyes were gradually opened to all her mother and their house guest were doing and then did her part along with her horse. Excellent for children ten or eleven and up.
July 19, 2015
This was a fantastic read!
And yes, I know what you're thinking: 'If it was fantastic, why on earth only four stars?'
I have a confession to make. During the beginning, I wasn't extremely into it. The first few chapters, my brain was unintentionally comparing this book to two other books about members of the French Resistance entitled "For Freedom" and "Violins of Autumn." Because I did reread the latter rather recently, I was already in the mood for an action-packed spy story that thrilled from the first moment... But that wasn't this book. No, this book took a moment to build. Near the beginning, it was fairly easy to see what was coming Combine this with a plot that was a bit slower moving than most novels about spies and resistance members, and you'll be at the conclusion I was at around chapter ten. But guess what?
I was wrong.
Yep, you read that right. I was wrong. Around chapter 12/13, the plot became more complex, started building up and layering together the characters and elements of the story that were just touched on earlier. Yes, there were some things that you predicted a few chapters before they actually happened, but the way the story came together made me genuinely enjoy this.
Also, although I don't really care for him as a person, I do really enjoy René as a character. I don't want to like him because he's kind of a sexist, Nazi pig. So I don't like him... Yet I do like him, because he was kind to our protagonist as has been since they were younger, so I know that it wasn't entirely a façade intending to lure Eponine into his messed up view of a relationship.
(And if I may take a moment to acknowledge this, the protagonist is named Eponine. I don't know if the author did this intending to have a Les Mis reference, but I honestly don't care. Our lovely lady from Les Mis is one of my favorite characters of all time--a young French girl searching for identity and confirmation of love even in the midst of social turmoil--and I can definitely see the connection between these two Eponines).
The Sergeant made me happy, especially in the epilogue. I think this book is a good example of the fact that there are good and bad people on both sides of conflict. Honestly, other than the stereotypical mean schoolyard girls, I appreciated the whole cast of characters.
Finally, kudos for voicing the thoughts that many young people (even without being in a war-zone) feel: 'I am all alone,' 'I don't know who I am,' 'I feel bad about feeling bad for myself,' 'Why does God allow things like war?,' and 'How can I continue to give more when I've already given up all of myself?'
Note: I think in cases where you acquire a book for free and agree to give a review in exchange, it's customary to note this somewhere in the review, so here's my little mention.
October 14, 2022
I don't do book reviews
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
September 9, 2014
Great read. Felt like a literary weaving of _The Book Thief_, _The Boy in the Striped Pajamas_ and _War Horse_. Very well done.
July 10, 2024
Well researched and well written
As an
have done to create this story. I look forward to reading more of her stories and would love to meet her someday to discuss her writing.
As an
have done to create this story. I look forward to reading more of her stories and would love to meet her someday to discuss her writing.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews