“A courageous journey of survival and loyalty through the eyes of children during WWII.” –S.A. Larsen, author of Motley Education
Eleven-year-old Joyce and her little sister hide in their bomb shelter during the German Blitz on London, during World War II. After nights of bombing, it’s decided that they’ll join the over 800,000 children who’ve already been evacuated during Operation Pied Piper. … evacuated during Operation Pied Piper. They board a train not knowing where they’re going or who will take them in.
The long, crowded train ride is less than pleasant. Thankfully they make two allies, Sam and Molly. Upon arriving in Leek, the evacuees are herded off the train and paraded down the street like sheep. Joyce and her sister are terrified they won’t be chosen.
Eventually, a family welcomes them. As they adjust to all the changes, they find the people of Leek aren’t so accepting to all the evacuees. Sam’s host is dark and abusive. As the girls help plan his escape, they discover this sleepy little community holds a dark secret…
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Beginning was a page-turner. Turned into a “Nancy Drew”.
Enjoyed the story of evacuated children from the children’s point of view.
A charming book with historical interest. I expect a lot of young readers will enjoy it.
I liked this series. I immediately bought the next one until I was done. loved them all.
Although I’ve read a lot about World War II never from the perspective of the children who were displaced sent to strangers and had to survive. History books talked about the London blitz but this Brooke brought home the heartbreaking decisions and tragedies that affected families. A very thought provoking read.
Enjoy the historical story
Vividly told as by children evacuated during the blitz, WWII. for 8-18+++++ years old, and you think you have it tough?!
It was a bit unbelievable at times; not a whole lot of character development ant story line. It was long on description in some parts and quick to through the action.
Liked the book very much, I love reading about the war as my wife was born in England during this time.
During World War II, the English children from London and other areas were evacuated and placed with strangers in the countryside to keep them safe. This book tells the story of two young sisters. A story. Of love, loyalty, and bravery. You may need a Kleenex or two!!
Read and enjoyed the book good light read charters and storey line having a real feel to it liked it and could not stop turning the pages .
Good insight to how the bombing in London changed many families lives.
Interesting insight into the Pied Piper project in WW2 England from a child’s perspective. A serious book but relatively short. Appropriate for Jr. high age but interesting for adults as well.
Does an excellent job of imagining the emotions of those enduring the Blitz in London, especially the children. The plot goes a bit overboard, but it’s still a good read.
I lived during this time, BUT, I had it soooooooo easy.
my only criticism is that it simply ended. There was no resolution.
This should be listed as a young persons book, ages maybe from 8 years up to 14 years. For that age group I give it 4 stars. It is a fast and easy read. For adult readers it doesn’t fill the bill at all. I was disappointed. Again let me say, Its a story for children.
The author, Sharon K. Mayhew, was born in England. Although she moved to the U.S.A. at the age of eight, she did not forget her heritage. This, her first novel, takes place during WW II England and was inspired by true family events relative to a government program known as Operation Pied Piper. The program evacuated people to the safety of the country where they were taken in by host families. In the first 3 days, 1.5 million people were evacuated, over 800,00 of them school children.
This MG + historical fiction novel is narrated by its main character, 11 ½ year old Joyce. She and her 5-year-old sister, Gina, leave bomb riddled London via train. While in transit, they befriend two other evacuees, Molly and Sam. All of them detrain in the small market town of Leek. Here, they are taken in by host families. Joyce and Gina’s host family have a twelve-year-old daughter, Phyllis. Once settled in their new homes, Joyce, Phyllis, Molly and Sam, being of similar age, play in an area outside of the town. While having fun, they find an old, abandoned hut and some ancient caves. Playtime comes to a halt when they discover the hut and caves hold dark and dangerous secrets. Sorry, no spoiler.
The story is exciting, educational and important for its historical value. Although a work of fiction, it is an accurate portrayal of what thousands of children experienced. There is much to be learned about the time period and the effect of the war on the children. The story illustrates how the children survived their life changing experience through acceptance, courage, self-reliance, and perseverance.
This novel is reminiscent of the adventure series, The Famous Five, by English author Enid Blyton. If you’re a fan of those books, you’ll like this novel.
I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it.
A delightful story about World War II seen through the eyes of children. Heartbreaking, but with moments of pure joy.
Aimed at a younger audience than me!
Too young for me, I think. Short and story obviously unfinished.