A Flame in the Dark by Maria Gill
Cleopatra: The Girl who would be King by Jackie French
About Maria Gill
Maria Gill is a New Zealand author and former journalist known for bringing history to life for young readers. Based in Auckland, she has written numerous award-winning non-fiction books that explore New Zealand’s people, places, and past, often focusing on untold or lesser-known stories. Gill’s work is widely used in schools and praised for its engaging, accessible style. With a background in feature writing, she combines strong research with compelling storytelling. A Flame in the Dark is her first YA work and continues her commitment to inspiring readers to connect with history and the human experiences behind it.
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Maria Gill
About A Flame in the Dark
A Flame in the Dark tells the remarkable true story of Nancy Wake – a fearless woman whose courage burned brightly in the shadows of World War II. Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Nancy defied expectations by working as a journalist in Europe as tensions mounted before the war. When conflict broke out, she chose an even more dangerous path.
Trained as a secret agent and parachuted behind enemy lines, Nancy became a key leader in the French Resistance. Nicknamed the “White Mouse” for her ability to evade the Gestapo, she organised and inspired resistance fighters, helping them strike powerful blows against the Nazi regime. Resourceful, daring, and determined, Nancy repeatedly outwitted her enemies – and, unlike many of her comrades, survived to share her story.
A powerful account of bravery, resilience, and survival, A Flame in the Dark shines a light on one of history’s most inspiring women.