The Angel of Grasmere is a beautiful dual point of view story about the reality of the Dunkirk retreat during the second world war - the impact on the soldiers who survived and the families who lost those they love. It is another must-read from historical master, Tom Palmer and the ever-accessible publisher, Barrington Stoke.… Continue reading Angel of Grasmere by Tom Palmer
The Enigma Girls is a fascinating look at the young women who worked at Bletchley Park during the second world war. Often not knowing what they were agreeing too, these women signed the Official Secrets Act and told no one about their responsibilities for many years. Intelligent, quick-witted and dedicated, they played a key part… Continue reading The Enigma Girls by Candace Fleming
I Survived: The Battle of D-Day, 1944 is a gripping graphic novel introducing readers to the gritty, high-stakes reality of the days leading up to the D-Day landings and those involved in the top-secret French resistence. It is the perfect addition to any Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 Second World War collection. It's June… Continue reading I Survived: The Battle of D-Day, 1944 by Lauren Tarshis & Brian Churilla
Signs of Survival is the compelling and heartbreaking memoir of two sisters with enough determination to survive the Nazi invasion of Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. Renee, age 10, was the ears for her family. With parents and a younger sister, Hetta, who were all deaf, it was up to Renee to listen out for the ominous sound… Continue reading Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust by Renee Hartman with Joshua M. Greene
I Spy: A Bletchley Park Mystery was one of my top books of 2023 so I was thrilled to find out there was a second book coming in February 2024. Hide and Seek is a beautifully crafted story of the dangers and hardships faced by those with secrets to keep during the Second World War.… Continue reading Hide and Seek: A Bletchley Park Mystery by Rhian Tracey
Code Name Kingfisher is a powerful story of secrets, family and friendship. Spanning 80 years, it follows three girls on their quest to stay true to themselves and where their family has come from while searching for a happy future. In present day England, Liv is struggling with changing friendships and her grandmother's dementia. When… Continue reading Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler
Summer is the perfect time to escape with something really different. This collection of books for readers age 8 through 13+ is sure to engage your older readers this holiday. Eurospies by Lindsay Littleson (Cranachan Books) ~ 8+ (MG) What better way to get a taste of Europe than through an exciting mystery story? Fans… Continue reading Super Summer Reads (age 8 – 13+)
It's November 1942 - the middle of the second world war. Susan's mum works long hours at the factory while her dad is in North Africa and they haven't heard from him in months. Worries pile on top of worries. Susan just wants to make her mum happy and she has the perfect idea -… Continue reading Operation Banana by Tony Bradman & illustrated by Tania Rex
Fablehouse by Emma Norry is the most wonderful combination of folklore, faeries, tales of King Arthur and longing to find a place where you truly belong. Magically charged, with an air of mystery and hope, this story lives and breathes. Readers find themselves on a heart-stopping adventure with Heather and her friends as they strive… Continue reading Fablehouse by Emma Norry
Until the Road Ends is the third novel by Phil Earle set during the Blitz of World War Two. Like its companions, When the Sky Falls & While the Storm Rages, it is a stunning story of loyalty and hope. Even in Britain's darkest moments, there were humans and animals who acted with valour and… Continue reading Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle
Scope for Imagination 