Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

May 2025

Shrapnel Boys is Jenny Pearson’s first historical novel. Led by authentic characters with her trademark spark, this is a funny, heartwarming story with an additional layer of dilemma and emotional depth. It will challenge readers to think about everyone’s role in the Second World War and how it affected ordinary people in extraordinary ways. From men who signed up to fight to those who believed in peace to those who actually agreed with the other side, Shrapnel Boys digs deep into moral questions, responsibility and the definition of a hero.

Twelve-year-old Ronnie and his younger brother, Mickey, love roaming the streets and stirring up trouble with their friend ‘Lugs’. Always in competition with their rival gang, the Wreckers, these boys are cheeky and full of bravado. Initally, the prospect of war is incredibly exciting. Planes overhead, fascinating pieces of shrapnel littering the ground and a bomb site for a playground gives them a thrill. The reality of the danger all around them doesn’t truly sink in until personal loss arrives at their door.

Ronnie doesn’t know what to make of Mum’s new boyfriend, Johnny. He seems to make dodgy deals and is luring Mickey under his wing. When Ronnie discovers Johnny admires Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists political party that believes in ‘Britian first’, he worries Johnny is trouble. This suspician becomes stronger and stronger as Ronnie sees Johnny acting illegally and Johnny’s warnings to keep quiet become more frightening.

As danger intensifies, Ronnie and his friends must come together against a common enemy. The boys learn hard lessons in moral integrity, the meaning of brotherhood and how to step up and show who they are when it really matters. The fun of collecting shrapnel and identifying planes is such an important part of their childhood but hoemfront dangers force them to grow up before their time. Will they be able to recapture the joy of adventure and the freedom of their childhood?

A huge thank you to Usborne and Fritha Lindqvist for the opportunity to read an early copy of this fantastic book!

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