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Under A Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean

May28

Friendship & Futility

Under A Fire Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean is a powerful historical novel for ages ten years and over.

This is a novel that explores a diverse friendship as a small group of teens decide not to get evacuated from London during the phoney war.

It is a coming-of-age novel as the teens have to grow up very quickly. They go from the classroom to the Blitz in fairly quick succession, making new friends along the way.

As London burns, there are some horrific sights. “The sight would never leave her. She could no more forget it than forget her name.” Some things once seen, cannot be unseen.

There are conflicting emotions. “My Bible tells me to love my enemies. I didn’t realise until now how annoyingly difficult that is.” But when the teens come face to face with a German who is shot down, they realise that he looks just like them, and that somewhere in Germany, a mother is praying for her son’s safe return.

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I Am David by Ann Holm

May7

So Powerful

I Am David by Ann Holm is a children’s classic published in 1963. It is perfect for ages ten years and over, with the power to affect your life whatever your age.

I Am David requires the reader to think as we become totally immersed in the life of David.

David is a twelve-year-old whose life, that he can remember, has so far been spent in an unnamed concentration camp. We do not know for how long or where. David is the microcosm for all those souls who endured the camps.

I Am David is a journey of discovery – literally, and mentally for both the reader and David. We hear about the lessons that a man called Johannes taught David in the camp. “Johannes said greedy people can never be happy, and I would so very much like to know what it feels like to be happy.” David is wise beyond his years but also retains an innocence about him as there is so much that he does not know about a ‘normal’ childhood.

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The Secret Of Nightingale Wood by Lucy Strange

Apr16

Of Love, Hope & Family

The Secret Of Nightingale Wood by Lucy Strange is a powerful children’s historical debut novel that is perfect for ages ten years and over.

The novel is set in 1919. World War I is over but its effects are far reaching. A generation of sons never came home.

This is a book about grief, loss and hope. There are two mothers who are drowning in grief. One mother has removed herself from society. The other is being treated by quacks masquerading as concerned doctors. We see that women have little rights in a male dominated society.

Fear of the asylum was very real. Patients were treated as guinea pigs. “You see only the symptoms. You do not see people, and you do not see the damage you do to them.”

A sister, only twelve -years-old, but remarkably mature for her years, never gives up on her family, even though she is grieving her brother. “I feel like half a double act.”

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The Ghost Of Thomas Kempe by Penelope Lively

Mar23

Entertaining

The Ghost Of Thomas Kempe by Penelope Lively is a children’s adventure for ages ten years and over. Though written in 1973, it still entertains audiences today.

Penelope Lively has a young boy, James, as the central character. Having moved into a new house, things go bump in the day and night – and James gets the blame. It is only James who recognizes this for what it is, and sets about trying to help a spirit lay to rest. Few people believe James, except a carpenter.

James is a very likable lead character. He is very plucky and able to save the day on more than one occasion.

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