Code Name Verity

For fans of historical fiction, Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is hands down one of the best books in that genre that I have ever read. Set during World War II, the story revolves around two best friends, the Scottish Julie (Verity), a flight officer and spy, and Maddie, a British ATA pilot. Maddie accidentally ends up charged with bringing Julie into occupied France for her first mission. Unfortunately, the plane is shot down and Maddie makes Julie parachute out of the plane while she attempts to land. Julie is captured by the Gestapo and forced to write everything she knows about the British war effort. The book follows her writing about how she came to know Maddie and how she ended up becoming a spy. In the meantime, no one knows what happened to Maddie. And Julie doesn't know whether her writing will be enough to save her.
This novel is very moving and sad. I feel as if it does not just speak of the troubles of war, but of the ultimate bond of friendship. I highly recommend this book to anyone over fourteen. I also recommend the companion novel, Rose Under Fire, when it comes out. It follows the story of another female ATA pilot who is captured while flying back to her base in England from Paris. It is set chronologically after Code Name verity. I have been able to read an advance copy of the novel, and it is every bit as excellent as Code Name Verity.