• Age: 8 to 11
• Grade: 3 to 6

It is 1650 in New France. The tragic fire that destroyed their home has left twelve-year-old Justine and her younger brother, Denis, orphaned and at the mercy of their neighbour, the brutal Monsieur Gaudin.

He wants Justine for his wife and she will do anything to escape that fate; Denis will do anything to stay with Justine. They decide they must flee to a place Monsieur Gaudin will never find them. But how will they survive in the treacherous Quebec wilderness?

Veteran children's writer Lyn Cook has authored many titles for children, and is perhaps best known for her classic novel, The Bells on Finland Street. But she has had a varied career, from drama teacher, scriptwriter, narrator, meteorological observer in the RCAF to the first children's librarian in Sudbury. Flight from the Fortress is Lyn's second book set in New France, following The Hiding Place.

Lyn Cook's profile page

"The fast pace and suspenseful plot will keep young readers turning the pages . . .
First-rate historical fiction."
— Quill and Quire

". . . Full of interesting history about both French settlers and aborigines."
— Globe and Mail

". . . [a gripping tale . . . full of suspense and adventure."
— Canadian Materials