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Digging for Victory

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Set in Devon in 1941, Digging for Victory tells the story of twelve-year-old Bonnie Roberts who is desperate to play a valuable part in the war effort. For her, tending the family vegetable patch just doesn't cut it; she wants to be a hero like her RAF pilot brother, Ralph. But when the mysterious Mr Fisher is billeted at her farmhouse, and Ralph is reported missing in action, she starts to question what heroism actually involves. And as Bonnie attempts to find out who Mr Fisher really is, she embarks on a life-changing and emotional voyage of discovery.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2023

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Cathy Faulkner

2 books2 followers

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5 stars
49 (37%)
4 stars
65 (49%)
3 stars
14 (10%)
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4 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie.
Author 14 books504 followers
March 24, 2025
Cathy Faulkner and I traded books at the Bath Library Authors' Fair and I just wanted to shout out how much I enjoyed reading this and the unique writing style, which was so accessible for my easily-distracted brain! Definitely recommend, especially for history fans and readers learning about WW2 🪏
Profile Image for Becky Cann .
93 reviews11 followers
July 25, 2023
Beautifully written and poignant. It tells the enchanting story of Bonnie, a 12 year old girl who wants to make an impact on the war effort and be a hero. A mysterious Mr. Fisher comes to stay with her family, and we follow Bonnie as she goes to extraordinary lengths to uncover his secrets.

Written in verse, this book was incredibly compelling, and I couldn't put it down. I also learnt a lot about the unspoken heroes throughout WW2 and the numerous secret plans/assignments in place across the country that saved hundreds of lives... I'm so glad this book allowed their voices to be heard.
Profile Image for Cherlynn | cherreading.
2,152 reviews1,005 followers
July 8, 2023
A compelling novel-in-verse about heroism in its various forms beyond the frontlines.

With a likeable protagonist and solid storyline, this book flowed effortlessly and I breezed through it. I loved Bonnie's authentic voice and POV as a 12-year-old living in a small village during WWII and wanting desperately to contribute, be someone, find herself.

The book also sheds light into a lesser-known part of history e.g. efforts to mislead enemy planes and redirect air raids. I hadn't known about this and found it all really illuminating. We also learn about other war efforts that are no less important than fighting on the frontlines such as farming, collecting rags etc. I really appreciate how the author highlighted all of these.

A highly enjoyable, eye-opening and engaging read that I would recommend to all ages!
Profile Image for Hattie.
26 reviews
February 16, 2025
Next Reading Teachers book. Great for a WW2 topic and another nice prose book. Amazing ending! Loved the main character Bonnie too 🩷👧🏻
Profile Image for Casey.
30 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2023
Thank you to Firefly Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publishing on 4 May with Firefly Press, Digging For Victory follows twelve-year-old Bonnie as her family host the mysterious Mr Fisher while her brother’s away at war. She worries he must be a shirker or, worse, a spy – and wants to set about proving it.

It took me a while to warm up to this book, but once I liked it, I liked it a lot. It’s a bit of a slow starter – for a while I found the verse style it’s written in a little bit jarring. There are points where it works well – Bonnie’s description of a zoetrope in which the words form the shape of one is especially pleasing to the eye – but others where it’s worth questioning whether the verse benefits the entire book. Personally, I would’ve preferred a book without the verse format, with the occasional chance for the words to take shapes – but as I’m unsure how this would look on the page without some rather erratic spacing I can understand why it doesn’t happen here. (Another slight nitpick was that at times the verses try to rhyme and at others they don’t at all – a commitment to one or the other makes for smoother reading.)

In addition, Bonnie takes her time in becoming a likeable character. Despite the development she undergoes throughout the book, she gets to be obnoxious for quite a few pages beforehand – some of her early internal monologue reads like a Second World War propaganda machine. There is endless talk against shirkers (or ‘conchies’, as she calls them) and a line about swapping her spade for a gun that feels a little bizarre coming from the mouth of a twelve-year-old.

However, this is a story about illusions, and just as many other people in the book – Mr Fisher, Bonnie’s friends, and even the loathed ‘conchie’ – are not all that they seem, neither is Bonnie. As the story progresses, her internal thoughts become less frustrating to read – she finds her feet both as a character and in her dialogue. She becomes rather easy to root for, in fact – as does Mr Fisher.

Mr Fisher is really the catalyst for this book becoming a four-star review – without giving too much away, he’s one of the most complex and interesting characters within the story, and it is his interactions with Bonnie that lend the book a rather warm quality. That and Bonnie’s efforts in the garden, which are wonderfully and poetically described. When the words are arranged on the page in the same shape as growing stems or seed beds, the verse style really comes into play. When the action ramps up, the flow of this style actually works better than full-length prose text in terms of maintaining a good flow and conveying the fast-paced events taking place.

So just as Bonnie has to admit that people are not what she first thought they were, I too have to admit that this book, although a slow starter, really put roots down in my heart.
Author 41 books79 followers
February 26, 2024
Another from the Yoto Carnegie longlist and this one is a verse novel. I have a real liking for verse novel, the concise use of language, the creative use of form - love it. This one takes place in WW2 and 12 year old Bonnie is desperate to be a hero like her brother, Ralph, who has gone to fly Spitfires. Left at home in their small village, a stranger is billeted into their home - Mr Fischer. She has conflicting feelings about this quiet man - why is he in their house and not fighting like her brother. At school she becomes the joke as her former friends tease her constantly about having a 'shirker' in her house which makes her feelings against Mr Fischer even stronger especially as she doesn't know why he disappears every night. Her mother gets her planting the vegetables and gradually she starts talking to Mr Fischer and learning about physics and electricity but she still can't work out what he is doing on his nightly travels. Her curiosity eventually pays off with surprising results and she learns that being a hero isn't always about how many medals you get. I enjoyed this a lot - the author uses shapes to great effect in the novel - a shovel etc. Maybe I should have known this but I wasn't really aware of how misdirection was used in WW2. This would make a super book to form the basis of all sorts of projects if it was read in a school environment, but for a youngster reading it on their own, it does show that the quiet heroes, those who work in the background without seeking glory are just as important as those with the medals. Lovely read.
Profile Image for EM WATSON.
104 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2023
A beautiful, heartwarming story, so lyrically told and powerful enough to raise a tear and a cheer.

Dealing with the realities of wartime from a home perspective is not easy.

To do it eloquently, factually, and yet maintaining a flavour of the camaraderie of the time, without sounding like propaganda, and also the fear, doubts and misconceptions, is a challenging task. Especially when it is for a middle-grade audience who will have little or no awareness of the times, motivations and struggles.

I really can not praise this tale enough. Yes, there is a good overall vibe to the story. But it is a snapshot of a short period, a lone girl, her family, and multiple conflicting thoughts, understandings and priorities that could happen to one of us. There are home truths aplenty to make the younger reader and their families/ teachers think. War is seldom kind, at least for some, no matter the intention or outcome. I believe this is why Mrs shed a tear.

The writing style, the lyrical way in which the story and text quite literally dances, flies and weaves across the page, makes this just that bit extra special.

We read this over two days and would not have missed it for the world.
Profile Image for Stephen the Bookworm.
900 reviews132 followers
February 2, 2023
This is a wonderful novel for 9-12 year olds and is perfect for readers/ classes who are exploring World War 2. Bonnie lives in the countryside and upon the departure of her brother to the RAF , the mysterious Mr Fisher takes up residence in the spare room. Local children think he may be a spy and Bonnie needs to discover the truth . But also Bonnie wants to make her own personal contribution to the war effort and is assigned the duty of maintaining a vegetable garden albeit with initial reluctance.As the story develops Bonnie finds herself in a life saving situation and eventually learns that to be a hero isn’t always about medals and public recognition and that discreet actions can bring the most powerful results. The character of Bonnie and the dynamic with the curious Mr Fisher adds a wonderful element of suspense and self discovery. The focus upon science, physics and gardening means this book is a perfect accompaniment for a class project and will enhance a cross curricular focus on world war 2 but most importantly Cathy Faulkner has written a great novel that is entertaining and a really good read .
Profile Image for Andrea Barlien.
295 reviews11 followers
April 4, 2023
Absolutely delightful Middle Grade novel in a verse form (but not verse) exploring the life of a small village in 1941 war-time Britain. Bonnie’s big brother has gone off to fly planes for the RAF over France and when the family starts hosting secretive Mr Fisher Bonnie’s urge to be hero forces her to investigate his nighttime activities.
Bonnie contributes to the war effort by taking over the vegetable patch and Mr Fisher helps her. A bond is built and the excitement builds also. Bonnie learns all about circuits and physics from Mr Fisher and her desire to be a hero becomes reality. But how can she keep Mr Fisher’s secret when she can’t solve the biggest problem alone?
Would make an excellent read along in KS2 and is a well researched story on the war at home for Social Studies or History lessons in Y5 or 6.
Jolly good adventure story with a host of well drawn and memorable characters. A lovely side exploration of what it means to be a conscientious objector, as well for a nice bonus.
Lovely!
Profile Image for Chris Parkinson-Best.
51 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2023
This is an excellent read for any young person interested in, or learning about life in Britain during World War 2. Bonnie is a young girl living in the countryside and coming to terms with her old brother being sent off to war as an air force pilot. Bonnie also finds herself isolated by the other children in the school playground when the mysterious Mr Fisher comes to billet in Bonnie's home. Very little is known about Mr Fisher, and Bonnie's mother insists he mustn't be disturbed or asked any questions. Bonnie's suspicions are raised when she discovers Mr Fisher's mud-stained boots sitting by the door. bonnie is determined to find out the truth about Mr Fisher and what he is up to, all to get her friends back.

This is a book that will keep you questioning Mr Fisher's motives right to the end, yet be warmed by the nurturing friendship that Bonnie and Mr Fisher develop.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Penny.
424 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2025
It is 1940 Devon, England, and Bonnie is desperate to make a difference... in fact, she wants to be a hero, like her big bother Ralph, who is in the air force and who has left to fight the Nazis.

She is absolutely horrified when her mother tasks her with growing vegetables to help the war effort - to her this is NOT the heroic plan she had in mind.

And when a mysterious stranger is billeted to live in Ralph's bedroom, her life gets even worse. The children at school think that her family are harbouring a "conchie" (conscientious objector) or a spy and they tease Bonnie mercilessly... to the point that her best friend even abandons her.

But as the grumpy stranger (Mr Fisher) and Bonnie start to get to know each other, she starts to realise that a hero can come in all shapes and sizes.

Beautifully written in verse, this is a powerful story which spotlights a part of the war effort which I had never heard of.
Profile Image for Aayuu.
17 reviews
March 19, 2023
Digging For Victory contains a heartfelt message as well as valuable lessons for readers of this age group. I like how the story is told through the eyes of Bonnie, a twelve-year-old girl, and how the 1941 atmosphere is captured. Reading Bonnie's diary, for example, reveals her dissatisfaction with her jealousy toward her brother, who was sent to war, as well as how she solves the mystery of who Mr. Fisher is.

It took me a while to get into the story, but as it progressed, I began to feel both horror and sympathy for Bonnie and the family who sent their child to war. It piqued my interest and impressed me with Bonnie's tenacity and courage, despite the fact that she was still a child and wanted to help save others during the war. I give it 4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wholeheartedly recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Firefly Press for the eARC!
Profile Image for Denise Forrest.
600 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2023
Bonnie lives in a small village during WWII. Her older brother is in the RAF and she longs to do something for the war effort other than just growing vegetables. She longs to do something heroic, unlike the strange man who lodges with them, who the rest of the village have branded a ‘shirker’. However it turns out that although what he does is top secret, he’s definitely not a shirker.

This lovely story explores an aspect of war on the home front. The story is told entirely from Bonnie’s perspective and explores her relationships with her friends, parents and the mysterious lodger. Written in a poetic form, it is an unusual style of writing for a story of this nature, but it works beautifully.

This would be an excellent text for teaching about the Second World War.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2,787 reviews9 followers
March 26, 2024
It is 1940 and Bonnie's brother has gone to war.
She is so envious and wants nothing more than to join in with the war effort, but all she does is dig for victory planting veg.
She longs to do more exciting, heroic things.
Add to that, they have an enigmatic and mysterious stranger come to board with them.
Mr. Fisher is taciturn and secretive and Bonnie is determined to find out what he is upto on his night time excursions up to the Heath.
Bonnie is about to learn a sharp lesson.
Not all heroes have to JUST be soldiers, heroic deeds come from inside us and we can be one in our own way.
I absolutely loved this, such an engrossing read I just couldn't put it down.
Really enjoyed the author's writing style and the verse told the story well and the techniques employed really highlighted the plot.
Profile Image for Snarhooked.
398 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2024
A lovely story that was quick to read. Would be best for a young person to read alongside or after studying WWII as there is some terminology that may not make sense otherwise. I didn't particularly like Bonnie but she was probably quite realistic in the way that she changes her (quite strong) views of others as events progress. I felt the author did a good job of capturing the feeling of being left out at school.

The story of what Mr Fisher was doing was very interesting and not something I had come across before.

The verse novel format made for a pretty quick read. Although I personally find it hard to read the words when they aren't just straight on the page I can appreciate the aesthetics of them appearing in a different way e.g curved or vertical.
Profile Image for Sue H H..
Author 2 books25 followers
March 23, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Firefly for this ARC.
This is my first MG verse novel and I thought the poetic style aligned beautifully with the wartime subject matter. Gorgeous writing with really nice attention to detail. Modern children will relate to Bonnie juggling school and family life, all the while determined to solve the mystery surrounding her family's new lodger. I enjoyed watching her friendship develop with Mr Fisher and I'm sure younger readers will find the storyline about his decoy activities as fascinating as I did! Five stars.
Profile Image for Nemesia.
198 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2023
Bonnie wants to be a hero, just like her big brother who joined the army. But all she’s allowed to do is collect rags and grow vegetables. Until one day, a mysterious man is billeted at their house – a man with a soldier’s uniform but no official job. Is he a deserter? A spy? Or a hero himself?

This unusual novel in verse for 11-year-olds goes further than the simple adventure or war story. It’s about appearances vs. real heroism, family tragedies and resilience. It’s about life and how to go through it - from the point of view of a curious and brave little girl.

Simiilar to: "The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown" by Elizabeth Laird.
1 review
May 12, 2023
It is rare that an adult can write convincingly with the voice of a 12 year old. I empathized with Bonnie from the start and felt her indignation at the appearance of the stranger and Iunderstood her desire to be a hero. Her mixed feelings about her brother are touching and the way this is resolved is great. Her friendship with Mr Fisher is totally credible and the way she is empowered to make a difference is delightful. I don't look for stories to have a happy ending but Bonnie deserves her hero status, nicely understated at the end.
Profile Image for Tia Fisher.
Author 2 books24 followers
May 15, 2023
Beautifully-crafted, in pacey, exciting verse, Cathy Faulkner's debut is a wonderful WW2 adventure on the Home Front. Bonnie's upset that only the men get to be heroes - but when a mysterious stranger is billeted on their farm, will she get her chance? Digging for Victory buries a strategic secret, allotment know-how and masses of WW2 and scientific facts like seed potatoes in a satisfyingly deep trench. I loved it, and so will all middle-grade lovers of Phil Earle and Lesley Parr. (I loved it so much I bought a second copy to donate to the library I work in! Gotta share this lovely book)
Profile Image for Emily McGovern.
212 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2025
My husband and I read this out loud to our baby but ended up reading it in bed to eachother, we loved it so much (and to make sure I finished before the book club meeting).

I loved the characters and the story - Bonnie learned so much throughout and it all felt so believable too! I felt I learned a lot too - about gardening and about aspects of the war that I'd never considered.

The writing was easy to read and flower beautifully. I loved the layout on the page - it was really engaging and helped the tone, pace and expressions when reading aloud.

Can't wait to meet the author tomorrow!!
Profile Image for Ruth Hannah.
13 reviews
February 13, 2024
I enjoyed this but I think you had to have some background knowledge of wartime Britain to really follow it - it would be a great book for a child who had already learned about WW2 in depth. I found it easy to read but I didn’t find much variation in the poetry and it did seem, in places, just to be text that was creatively laid out, rather than real poetry. That said, I really enjoyed it and was very moved by the story.
215 reviews
July 6, 2023
An incredible children’s WW2 book. Told through a diary written in poetry!

Found it really hard to put down- always wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Reflected the true spirit of everyone working together to dig for victory!
Profile Image for Vicki.
104 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2025
A great story of courage during ww2. A story told in verse similar to The Final Score. The mysterious Mr Fisher moves in but disappears each night. Bonnie decides to investigate and discovers a secret.
47 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2023
I loved this. So much said in so few words. Very accessible for all readers. Teachers you will be able to read this to your class in a short time. They will love it. Promise.
Profile Image for Mrs Walsh.
864 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2023
Must admit this wasn’t my favourite war book, however it was an interesting read.
Profile Image for Yvonne Banham.
67 reviews
October 8, 2023
Loved this! Totally absorbing, brilliantly written with an impressive hero (you’ll know when you know!) I’m not normally huge on historic fiction but this completely hooked me. Highly recommend ⭐️
46 reviews
February 12, 2025
I absolutely loved it😍 I thought that it was amazing and I really enjoyed how it was funny as well. This book in three words:
Gripping, Heartwarming and friendship!
I would recommend it to anyone!
Profile Image for Ceri Wright.
32 reviews
July 26, 2025
Heartwarming story with likeable characters. Written in a free-verse style it’s set up is very different but interesting nonetheless.
Profile Image for Melissa Perrin.
5 reviews
August 17, 2025
A lovely different perspective on a war book, from a child’s point of view in a village that is ‘safe’ from the war itself.
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