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Whistling in the Dark by Shirley Hughes
Whistling in the Dark
Hardcover
First published May 21, 2015
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About the author
Shirley Hughes
370 books208 followersShirley Hughes is the illustrator of more than two hundred children’s books and has won many prestigious awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. She is the author-illustrator of DON'T WANT TO GO! and OLLY AND ME 1 2 3. She died at her home in London on the 25th of February, 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 30, 2018
It's autumn 1940, and for Joan Armitage, 13, and her family - mom, older sister Audrey, brother Brian and 6 year old Judy - living in a suburb of Liverpool, getting by has been hard ever since her dad's Merchant Navy ship was torpoeded by a Nazi U-boat in the Atlantic.
Now, WW(( is in full swing and the house is always cold, curfews have been imposed, there are nighttime air raids and everyone is always hungry because of rationing. On top of that, a new man, Captain Ronnie Harper Jones, part of the Army Catering Corps stationed near Liverpool, seems interested in mom. Despite the occassional box of goodies he brings the Armitage family, Joan, her brother and her sister don't like him much, though Judy does, or rather, she like the sweets he brings her.
Ironically, though, life is pretty boring despite the war. Luckily, Joan has a best friend, wealthy Doreen, and both girls love going to the Queensway Cinema to see American movies. And of course, there is the Saturday morning salvage collection Joan does with friends Ross and Derek. Best of all, there is her art - drawing and painting are her escape and her passion.
But as autumn passes, the air raids begin to intensify, as the Luftwaffe steps up their bombings over Liverpool. Even the Queensway becomes too dangerous to go to. And after hearing about an army deserter who is believed to be in the area, Joan wonders if it is the unknown man she saw staring into the house one night while closing the blackout curtains. She is shaken, but decides not to say anything and when it doesn't happen again, it gets forgotten amidst rumors of food being stolen and sold on the black market.
At school, the class bully Angela and her gang seem to enjoy picking on Ania, a Polish refugee who arrived in England on the Kindertransport. When Joan's mom tells her to invite Ania for tea, the normally quiet, shy girl opens up to Joan about what happened to her and her family in Poland.
When Joan is confronted by the mysterious man once again, on her way home one night, one mystery may be solved, but it only leads to the possiblity of more grief. How is he connected to Ania and what does he want from her? At the same time, the rumors of the stolen food and black market dealings prove to be true and the outcome is devasting for Joan's family, the communtiy and even her best friend Doreen.
This is the second WWII novel Shirley Hugnes has written. Her first was Hero on a Bicycle, also a coming of age story that didn't grab my interest quite as much as this on did. I found this one to be well plotted, with some nice foreshadowing but also some nice surprises.
"Wartime, when it was not frightening, could be very boring" writes Shirtley Hughes in her Author's Note. And she has done an exceptional job of depicting the boredom of war without making it boring for the reader. The result is an eye-opening look at daily life on the English home front. Of course, she knows what she is talking about, since much of the book is based on her own 13 year old experiences living in Merseyside during WWII.
One of the interesting aspects of Whistling in the Dark, is how much readers learn about the Merchant Navy, those men who sailed to the US and Canada to bring food and other supplies back to England on unarmed but very vulnerable ships. Joan's father and Audrey's boyfriend Dai both are part of the Merchant Navy, the real heroes of this story, according to Hughes and the Liverpool docks play an important role in this novel.
When most of us think of the Blitz, we have a picture of hundrends of Luftwaffe planes flying over London, dropping their bombs, bringing death and the destruction of homes, churches, monuments, and institutions. But the Nazis targeted more than London, including a terrible Blitz over Liverpool from August 28, 1940 to the end of December, the timeframe of Whistling in the Dark, doing incredible damage to the all important docks there.
Whistling in the Dark is a novel that will appeal to young readers interested in historical fiction, coming of age stories and mysteries, as well as fans of Carrie's War by Nina Bawden and Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian
This novel is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased for my personal library
Now, WW(( is in full swing and the house is always cold, curfews have been imposed, there are nighttime air raids and everyone is always hungry because of rationing. On top of that, a new man, Captain Ronnie Harper Jones, part of the Army Catering Corps stationed near Liverpool, seems interested in mom. Despite the occassional box of goodies he brings the Armitage family, Joan, her brother and her sister don't like him much, though Judy does, or rather, she like the sweets he brings her.
Ironically, though, life is pretty boring despite the war. Luckily, Joan has a best friend, wealthy Doreen, and both girls love going to the Queensway Cinema to see American movies. And of course, there is the Saturday morning salvage collection Joan does with friends Ross and Derek. Best of all, there is her art - drawing and painting are her escape and her passion.
But as autumn passes, the air raids begin to intensify, as the Luftwaffe steps up their bombings over Liverpool. Even the Queensway becomes too dangerous to go to. And after hearing about an army deserter who is believed to be in the area, Joan wonders if it is the unknown man she saw staring into the house one night while closing the blackout curtains. She is shaken, but decides not to say anything and when it doesn't happen again, it gets forgotten amidst rumors of food being stolen and sold on the black market.
At school, the class bully Angela and her gang seem to enjoy picking on Ania, a Polish refugee who arrived in England on the Kindertransport. When Joan's mom tells her to invite Ania for tea, the normally quiet, shy girl opens up to Joan about what happened to her and her family in Poland.
When Joan is confronted by the mysterious man once again, on her way home one night, one mystery may be solved, but it only leads to the possiblity of more grief. How is he connected to Ania and what does he want from her? At the same time, the rumors of the stolen food and black market dealings prove to be true and the outcome is devasting for Joan's family, the communtiy and even her best friend Doreen.
This is the second WWII novel Shirley Hugnes has written. Her first was Hero on a Bicycle, also a coming of age story that didn't grab my interest quite as much as this on did. I found this one to be well plotted, with some nice foreshadowing but also some nice surprises.
"Wartime, when it was not frightening, could be very boring" writes Shirtley Hughes in her Author's Note. And she has done an exceptional job of depicting the boredom of war without making it boring for the reader. The result is an eye-opening look at daily life on the English home front. Of course, she knows what she is talking about, since much of the book is based on her own 13 year old experiences living in Merseyside during WWII.
One of the interesting aspects of Whistling in the Dark, is how much readers learn about the Merchant Navy, those men who sailed to the US and Canada to bring food and other supplies back to England on unarmed but very vulnerable ships. Joan's father and Audrey's boyfriend Dai both are part of the Merchant Navy, the real heroes of this story, according to Hughes and the Liverpool docks play an important role in this novel.
When most of us think of the Blitz, we have a picture of hundrends of Luftwaffe planes flying over London, dropping their bombs, bringing death and the destruction of homes, churches, monuments, and institutions. But the Nazis targeted more than London, including a terrible Blitz over Liverpool from August 28, 1940 to the end of December, the timeframe of Whistling in the Dark, doing incredible damage to the all important docks there.
Whistling in the Dark is a novel that will appeal to young readers interested in historical fiction, coming of age stories and mysteries, as well as fans of Carrie's War by Nina Bawden and Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian
This novel is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased for my personal library
June 21, 2017
A quiet book with believable characters based in the outskirts of Liverpool during the German bombings. Shirley Hughes lived in England during WWII and this novel feels accurate to those times.
For readers who want historical fiction that reveals real life for families hunkered down during war, this is your book. Hughes has believably portrayed the stress and worries that test all people in hard times. A good book -
For readers who want historical fiction that reveals real life for families hunkered down during war, this is your book. Hughes has believably portrayed the stress and worries that test all people in hard times. A good book -
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December 8, 2018I got my notes mixed up; this is not the book I meant to request. I tried it anyway, and though there's certainly nothing wrong with it and the details of the setting are interesting, I just am not all that interested and gave up just shy of 1/3.
April 3, 2018
Whistling in the Dark, by Shirley Hughes, is a gripping historical fiction novel about a girl named Joan Armitage, in the year 1940. She lives in a Britain under constant bombing attacks by Nazi air raids, dubbed the Blitz. Every facet of her life depends on when the bombs rain down, from going to school to watching movies with her best friend, Doreen. On top of this, her mother has a boyfriend, Ronnie, who is despised by the entire family. Despite the never-ending fear and anguish that come with the attacks and her home life, Joan is a strong, confident girl. At school, she stands up for the adopted Polish girl, Ania, when she is bullied. The two girls form a friendship, and Ania tells Joan about her real family, and her hopes of reuniting with them. Will Ania find her family again, and will Joan’s family make it through the bombings and hardships? Read the book to find out.
I enjoyed this book for its historical accuracy, while spinning together a captivating story. From the air raid sirens to rations, all of the details were in place, making it easier to imagine and more realistic. I really liked the focus on ordinary people in wartime, with their daily activities and emotions being at the forefront of the plot. Few books succeed in capturing the perspective of the common man, but this story was wonderful in that regard.
I would recommend this book to boys and girls aged ten and up with an interest in World War II. This is because of the limited focus on violence and relatively basic vocabulary. It is unlike many historical fiction books about this time period, which emphasize the war more than the events in the story. While it has drama, this story does not have anything that cannot be handled by younger kids.
I would rate this book five stars out of five, because of the interesting perspectives and entertaining story. While it was a little young for my reading level, I still enjoyed it. When fact is combined with fiction, great things happen, and this story is no exception.
Anya A, 13, Metropolitan Washington Mensa
I enjoyed this book for its historical accuracy, while spinning together a captivating story. From the air raid sirens to rations, all of the details were in place, making it easier to imagine and more realistic. I really liked the focus on ordinary people in wartime, with their daily activities and emotions being at the forefront of the plot. Few books succeed in capturing the perspective of the common man, but this story was wonderful in that regard.
I would recommend this book to boys and girls aged ten and up with an interest in World War II. This is because of the limited focus on violence and relatively basic vocabulary. It is unlike many historical fiction books about this time period, which emphasize the war more than the events in the story. While it has drama, this story does not have anything that cannot be handled by younger kids.
I would rate this book five stars out of five, because of the interesting perspectives and entertaining story. While it was a little young for my reading level, I still enjoyed it. When fact is combined with fiction, great things happen, and this story is no exception.
Anya A, 13, Metropolitan Washington Mensa
September 8, 2023
Initially I was put off by the redundant portrayal of a moody teenager with an attitude, yet the underlying story held my interest. What the author did really well was give you a glimpse of how life was lived during the time and circumstances of war. It was a nice easy read and a much needed break from some heavier reading.
Having read numerous children’s poetry and picture books by this author, this is the first middle grade novel I’ve read by her. I was excited when my girlfriend Karen passed it along to me.
Having read numerous children’s poetry and picture books by this author, this is the first middle grade novel I’ve read by her. I was excited when my girlfriend Karen passed it along to me.
July 11, 2023
A difficult middle grade read. I wish it was a bit longer.
November 13, 2025
I love Shirley Hughes children 's book and was eager to read her novel. I thought it was very well done! The story telling was strong and felt so real it almost read as a history.
December 9, 2017
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
I've read a lot of historical fiction book centered around WWII, and they all take a slightly different angle on the terrible time. A lot of them involve the homefront in some way, so I was a little worried that Whistling in the Dark would struggle to carve its own unique spot in the literature, but I needn't have worried.
One thing I didn't know going into the book is that the author, Shirley Hughes, actually lived through WWII as a teenager living in Liverpool (the town where the book is set). I think that detail adds a little spark to the story that many other books about the time period don't have, just because we know the author really knows what she's talking about when she describes life there at the time.
And really, though it's a little book, there's quite a lot going on. I don't really want to go into the individual plotlines very much, because there would be lots of spoilers, but suffice it to say that Joan is confronted with issues ranging from personal/familial crises to meeting a loner refugee girl in school who doesn't speak English to dealing with the army deserter who is lurking around. They're all resolved in satisfactory and interesting ways, and I really liked reading about it.
Honestly, with all the amazing WWII books out there, I can't say that Whistling in the Dark stands out from the crowd a huge amount. But it's a good book, especially for younger readers who aren't prepared for the full horror of, say, a European Jewish girl's experiences during the war, and I for one really liked it. If you read it, please let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I've read a lot of historical fiction book centered around WWII, and they all take a slightly different angle on the terrible time. A lot of them involve the homefront in some way, so I was a little worried that Whistling in the Dark would struggle to carve its own unique spot in the literature, but I needn't have worried.
One thing I didn't know going into the book is that the author, Shirley Hughes, actually lived through WWII as a teenager living in Liverpool (the town where the book is set). I think that detail adds a little spark to the story that many other books about the time period don't have, just because we know the author really knows what she's talking about when she describes life there at the time.
And really, though it's a little book, there's quite a lot going on. I don't really want to go into the individual plotlines very much, because there would be lots of spoilers, but suffice it to say that Joan is confronted with issues ranging from personal/familial crises to meeting a loner refugee girl in school who doesn't speak English to dealing with the army deserter who is lurking around. They're all resolved in satisfactory and interesting ways, and I really liked reading about it.
Honestly, with all the amazing WWII books out there, I can't say that Whistling in the Dark stands out from the crowd a huge amount. But it's a good book, especially for younger readers who aren't prepared for the full horror of, say, a European Jewish girl's experiences during the war, and I for one really liked it. If you read it, please let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2015
I was attracted to this book, because it was set in Liverpool during World War ll. Although Liverpool is not my home, so many stories seem to revolve around London during the war, not the Northwest of England.
The main character is Joan and the book begins with her giving an excellent description of her family, Mum, big sister Audrey, brother Brian and the youngest member of the family Judy. Also how everyday life has changed, because of the war, blackout, shortages of coal, and the beach now filled with barbed wire and heavy artillery guns. How Joan dose her bit for the war effort by collecting salvage with her friends.
Joan loves to go to the cinema with her best friend, Doreen, but that begins to be difficult as the bombings intensify.
When a new girl arrives at school, Joan hears of the hardships that Ania has had to cope with, losing her Mother along the way, whilst escaping from the Germans in Poland.
Besides telling the day to day life during World War ll, the story also tells of courage and most important the true meaning of friendship.
The main character is Joan and the book begins with her giving an excellent description of her family, Mum, big sister Audrey, brother Brian and the youngest member of the family Judy. Also how everyday life has changed, because of the war, blackout, shortages of coal, and the beach now filled with barbed wire and heavy artillery guns. How Joan dose her bit for the war effort by collecting salvage with her friends.
Joan loves to go to the cinema with her best friend, Doreen, but that begins to be difficult as the bombings intensify.
When a new girl arrives at school, Joan hears of the hardships that Ania has had to cope with, losing her Mother along the way, whilst escaping from the Germans in Poland.
Besides telling the day to day life during World War ll, the story also tells of courage and most important the true meaning of friendship.
December 16, 2016
One of those slightly boring war stories about a little girl and her best friend
March 4, 2018
Whistling in the Dark does not disappoint, it's just as mesmerizing as British author Shirley Hughes' first historical fiction novel Hero on a Bicycle, which is a thrilling tale. Written from the perspective of Joan, a 13-year-old girl living near Liverpool during World War II, you can almost feel the bombs blasting down on her during each blitz. Before the war her family had already suffered the loss of their father when the Merchant Navy Oil tanker he worked on caught fire. Her mother and older very attractive sister Audrey, pragmatic brother, Joan, and baby sister Judy always stay busy, and carry on. To support the troops Joan and her classmates, gather scrap metal from the neighbors, help with local WVS ladies' sponsored activities such as a Kids Party at the Royal Hotel, to bring cheer up the little ones, etc. Joan and her friends are expected to do whatever is necessary to support the war, while appearing cheerful at the same time. There are many surprising twists and turns along the way, such as the the mystery of the stranger lurking in her yard, the new orphan girl Ania who never smiles, and how to survive life as a preteen when there isn't enough food, the air raid siren goes off constantly, and your mother won't talk about your father. It is a lot for one girl to handle, yet finding good friends along the way, and reaching out to those in need keeps her busy and happy with simple pleasures. This is a great choice for elementary, and middle school libraries. Readers who love historical fiction will relish this one.
November 3, 2017
First sentence: Northwest England, autumn 1940.
Premise/plot: Joan Armitage is the heroine of Shirley Hughes' Whistling in the Dark. This one is set in Liverpool during the second world war. The book focuses on the daily experiences of life during the war through the eyes of a thirteen year old. Her father was a merchant marine; WAS. Now her mother is dating someone else, and only the youngest of the family, little Judy, is pleased. The rest of Joan's family (Brian and Audrey) agrees with her: he's trying WAY too hard to be trustworthy. There's drama at school and home.
Some of the drama concerns a Polish refugee, Ania, who joins Joan's class. Joan and her best friend, Doreen, do their best to help her feel welcome and safe. There are some in the class who target her for their bullying.
My thoughts: Whistling in the Dark is very much character-driven. All of the characters are developed. The community feels genuine. The details of daily lives abound. I found it a compelling read. It isn't an action-packed war drama where lives are at stake 24/7. It's much quieter than that. But I think it can be a thought-provoking read.
I admit that at first all I could think of was that somewhere in town, there was a tiny John Lennon.
Premise/plot: Joan Armitage is the heroine of Shirley Hughes' Whistling in the Dark. This one is set in Liverpool during the second world war. The book focuses on the daily experiences of life during the war through the eyes of a thirteen year old. Her father was a merchant marine; WAS. Now her mother is dating someone else, and only the youngest of the family, little Judy, is pleased. The rest of Joan's family (Brian and Audrey) agrees with her: he's trying WAY too hard to be trustworthy. There's drama at school and home.
Some of the drama concerns a Polish refugee, Ania, who joins Joan's class. Joan and her best friend, Doreen, do their best to help her feel welcome and safe. There are some in the class who target her for their bullying.
My thoughts: Whistling in the Dark is very much character-driven. All of the characters are developed. The community feels genuine. The details of daily lives abound. I found it a compelling read. It isn't an action-packed war drama where lives are at stake 24/7. It's much quieter than that. But I think it can be a thought-provoking read.
I admit that at first all I could think of was that somewhere in town, there was a tiny John Lennon.
February 7, 2018
13-year old Joan and her family live in 1940 Liverpool England during the Blitz. Unsettling nightly Nazi air raids are common, and strict rationing is a part of daily life. As if war with the Germans isn't enough to worry Joan, her mother and three siblings, there are other risky occurrences that hit very close to home. One is a mysterious man who is lurking around their home in the evenings. Another source of stress is the phony, creepy captain who visits frequently to woo Joan's mother. Finally, Joan discovers that locals are selling food and clothing on the black market for profit. Fortunately, Joan has a strong friendship in Doreen, and the two of them are able, at least in the early years, to escape to the cinema.
Shirley Hughes actually lived through the Liverpool Blitz as a young teen, and her remembrances of resilience and the bonding of family and friends comes through in her writing. The illustrations that open each chapter are informative and charming. This meaningful novel will be loved by young fans of historical fiction and World War II. Another book to recommend to young readers about this time and place would be The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
Shirley Hughes actually lived through the Liverpool Blitz as a young teen, and her remembrances of resilience and the bonding of family and friends comes through in her writing. The illustrations that open each chapter are informative and charming. This meaningful novel will be loved by young fans of historical fiction and World War II. Another book to recommend to young readers about this time and place would be The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
January 5, 2018
Set in 1940, this story takes place in Liverpool, England where the port and docklands are targeted almost nightly in the Blitz. Joan, 13 years old, lives with her mother, brother, and sister, and is trying to continue with school amidst rationing, blackouts, and other constraints on life that the war hands them. When a refugee Polish girl, Ania, comes to their school, Joan and her friend, Doreen, take her under their collective wing. But when Ania's uncle comes whistling for Joan in the dark so that he can reunite with Ania, the circumstances get trickier. Wartime life is bad, with friends accused of selling contraband food, boys going off to sea while their return is uncertain, and bombs wiping out entire neighborhoods in a flash. Joan and her family decide to accept the risk of taking in Ania's uncle as they empathize with the uncle's plight. The story is complicated with every sort of problem imaginable during WWII. I will purchase this for my library, however, as this time period is very popular with fifth- and sixth-grade readers.
December 14, 2017
Whistling in the Dark
Shirley Hughes
Candlewick Press
Candlewick
Children's Fiction
Pub Date 14 Nov 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Whistling in the Dark through Candlewivk Press and Netgalley:
1940 Liverpool, thirteen year old Joann finds that her home is under constant threat from the Nazi's, and there terrifying air raids. With the strict rationing's, curfews and blackouts everyone's on edge.
Joann finds one solace and that is going to the movies with her best friend, Doreen, but as the bombings get worse, even that is taken away . Joann is also aware of the strange man that lurks near her home. She doesn't know he is, or why he thinks Joann is able to help him!
As they deal with the worsening Blitz, Joann and her friends make a discovery that can tase the whole community apart? Can the community overcome what they find out?
Can Joann help the mysterious man?
Find out in Whistling in the Dark!
Five out of five stars!
Happy reading!
1940 Liverpool, thirteen year old Joann finds that her home is under constant threat from the Nazi's, and there terrifying air raids. With the strict rationing's, curfews and blackouts everyone's on edge.
Joann finds one solace and that is going to the movies with her best friend, Doreen, but as the bombings get worse, even that is taken away . Joann is also aware of the strange man that lurks near her home. She doesn't know he is, or why he thinks Joann is able to help him!
As they deal with the worsening Blitz, Joann and her friends make a discovery that can tase the whole community apart? Can the community overcome what they find out?
Can Joann help the mysterious man?
Find out in Whistling in the Dark!
Five out of five stars!
Happy reading!
August 9, 2021
This young adult novel by the acclaimed Shirley Hughes is a must read whatever your age. I’m in my 50s and, having read, and collected her children’s books for over 20 years, I can safely say you’re never too old to enjoy her work.
This novel has Shirley’s voice coming through loud and clear. Based on a family’s experiences of the Liverpool Blitz during WW2, a period she herself lived through, she describes the life and experiences of Joan and her family beautifully. Despite the subject there is immense warmth and love throughout, and the importance of family, kindness and solidarity come through strongly.
It’s also a timely book for today and our current climate, covering the plight of refugees very well, giving pause for thought about how we should treat each other with kindness.
I loved it. Strongly recommend 👍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel has Shirley’s voice coming through loud and clear. Based on a family’s experiences of the Liverpool Blitz during WW2, a period she herself lived through, she describes the life and experiences of Joan and her family beautifully. Despite the subject there is immense warmth and love throughout, and the importance of family, kindness and solidarity come through strongly.
It’s also a timely book for today and our current climate, covering the plight of refugees very well, giving pause for thought about how we should treat each other with kindness.
I loved it. Strongly recommend 👍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 14, 2020
Did not know when I requested this book that it was for young readers -- however, I read it and it was interesting to read about how people in England fared with rationing, etc. Also the story of young love, of friendships and of Polish refugees.. There was a LOT in 227 pages. The constant bombing by the Nazis had gotten so frequent that people hardly bothered to go to safe places any more. And the big thing was movies -- any movie at all. just to get away from the bombing. The protagoinist was Joan, whose best friend moved away, whose Mom was involved with a man they all hated, who kind of rescued a Polish girl by befriending her, who was brave and dependable. A lovely little story about war and its effect on innocent bystanders.
February 22, 2018
I loved reading Shirley Hughes' picture books to my children when they were small years ago. The artwork was lovely, so atmospheric and charming. They gave us a glimpse of family life in England, complete with the angles of light and how it could make you feel. And so I was glad to see she is still writing, and sharing her perspective, this time in a novel format. In the preface, she shares that she lived through the German bombings in Liverpool in the winter of 1940-41, so this is perhaps somewhat an autobiographical story. Her storytelling gives you a sense of what it would have felt like, as a teenager, to live through that awful time in British history. A great little read!
February 5, 2018
WWII book by the author of Hero on a Bicycle. This story focuses on the Liverpool Blitz of 1940 & 1941. It also covers the topic of the black market that existed in England during the war. Information about the importance of the Merchant Navy and about the sailors who risked their lives to transport much needed food & supplies to England was included as well. I learned about the plight of many refugees who came to England during the war to seek shelter. I am amazed at the strength and bravery of people during such a dark time in history, 3.5 stars
May 15, 2018
Whistling in the Dark centers around Joan, a young teen living in 1940's England during the Liverpool Blitz. Joan's family must figure out how to survive not only the regular bombings, but the day-to-day rationing, blackouts, and sacrifice that impact communities during wartime. Their family is already adjusting to life without their father. Her sister must figure out how to manage life while her true love is sent to war. All the children must take on grown-up responsibilities. Regular teenage experiences, like dances, going to the movies or making new friends are tinged with the color of war. Students will enjoy this book for the picture it paints of life on the home front through the eyes of a teenager. There are also a couple of mysteries that do not get solved completely until the end. Give this to kids who want a lighter experience reading about WWII. Grades 5 - 8
September 6, 2020
This took me quite a while to finish because I read more than one book at a time. It’s a very detailed story.
The story is about a family living in Liverpool in 1940. Their father was lost at sea. The main character, Joan, is 13. It was tough for children during the second World War because of rationing, curfews, blackouts and Nazi air-raids.
Joan and her friend Doreen try to make the best of things but life gets more dangerous, especially when she spots a stranger lurking near their home.
I did enjoy this story. It was interesting to learn about what life was like for children in England during the war. There are lots of details and mystery to keep you reading.
The story is about a family living in Liverpool in 1940. Their father was lost at sea. The main character, Joan, is 13. It was tough for children during the second World War because of rationing, curfews, blackouts and Nazi air-raids.
Joan and her friend Doreen try to make the best of things but life gets more dangerous, especially when she spots a stranger lurking near their home.
I did enjoy this story. It was interesting to learn about what life was like for children in England during the war. There are lots of details and mystery to keep you reading.
September 20, 2021
Another good historical fiction for middle aged students to read and relate to because of the story being told through the eyes of a thirteen year old girl. Though this story is based during World War II and includes all the hardships that many faced then, it also includes typical young teenage problems of friendships and going to the movies and just trying to keep things normal during hard times. Though students will not be able to relate to the blitz attacks in this book they can relate it to the pandemic we are currently living through and how that has effected them and their friendships and just trying to live a normal life.
September 25, 2017
A great young adult book. Appropriate for late elementary/middle school, possibly into early high school. In general I think that the WW2/Holocaust fiction genre is overdone for YA, but this book was a fresh take, and especially relevant today for its themes of sympathy to refugees. The characters were relatable and their typical issues were well balanced with the challenges of living in WW2 era England.
July 14, 2018
In this engaging historical fiction novel set in Liverpool, Joan and her family deal with nightly bombing by the Nazis, food shortages, their dead father, school friendships, and related elements that reflect what it was like for kids at that time. Hughes based much of the story on her own life and those of friends, because she was a young teen during WWII. This will appeal to fans of THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE, giving the city/suburban view vs. the rural view.
January 1, 2018
Read an e book from Netgalley.
Joan is a teenager in the outskirts of Liverpool during the bombings if WWII. Air raids, blackout curtains, rationing, loved ones reported missing in action, refugees, mean girls (and catty villagers), black market, best friends having to move away; lots going on in this slim novel.
Joan is a teenager in the outskirts of Liverpool during the bombings if WWII. Air raids, blackout curtains, rationing, loved ones reported missing in action, refugees, mean girls (and catty villagers), black market, best friends having to move away; lots going on in this slim novel.
February 20, 2018
I think you have to be a historical fiction fan to enjoy this quiet ramble through a year in the life of a girl and her family, enduring food rationing, air raids and other issues relating to war-torn England. Little stories hold together the sweet read, but it's not a blustery, blistery adventure that most kids today are thirsting for these days. Still, a good book for the right kid.
April 24, 2019
One of several WWII books penned by Ms. Hughes, it captures the reader's attention right away, and sucks you into the story. Her characters become authentic, and their situation's precarious nature begins to eat away at you. Don't read this if you already have an ulcer. It has some surprises and the author develops the story/characters well. You feel you are there....
did-not-finish
March 11, 2020DNF—started reading aloud with my 9 year old son. By chapter 10 nothing was happening except for a few sightings of a somewhat suspicious person. Lots of WW II lingo but not much explanation for someone who has no previous knowledge of the time period (this is a children’s book, right?) My son decided last night to give it up and I had to agree.
December 19, 2021
I borrowed it from the library, thinking it may be a good candidate for a book for Alex and me to read together as part of his study about WWII. I enjoyed it enough, and liked all the characters, but I didn't think it was a good story for Alex, considering it's a story about everyday life during the time in Liverpool during WWII. I enjoyed it enough, but wouldn't be reading this with Alex.
March 14, 2022
Wonderful novel based partly on Hughes' own wartime childhood near Liverpool, with plucky but realistic heroine Joan bonding with her family, friends and braving the terrors of bombs and bullies. A well-paced and situated work of historical fiction, would have loved a sequel but Hughes wrote so many other great books. She will be much missed.
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