Across a War-Tossed Sea

Under a War-Torn Sky #3

by L.M. Elliott

It's 1943, and World War II is raging. To escape the terror of the Blitz, ten-year-old Wesley and fourteen-year-old Charles were evacuated from England to America. After a few near misses with German U-boats and a treacherous ocean crossing, the brothers arrived in Virginia. The culture shock is intense as the London boys adjust to rural farm life and have to learn new sports, customs, and spellings, plus contend with racial segregation and bullying.

As time goes by, the brothers begin to adapt to their new reality and blaze their own trails, writing letters home, making new friends, and pitching in to the American war effort. But just when Wes and Charles think they are safe from the terror of the battles raging thousands of miles across the sea, they encounter the very brand of soldiers they were trying to escape: Nazis, from a POW camp right around the corner and U-boats torpedoing American ships off the nearby Atlantic coastline. Suddenly, Charles, Wesley, and their new Virginian family must face the dangers of a foreign war coming too close to home.

Award-winning author L. M. Elliott brings a rarely told story of World War II on U.S. soil to light in this gripping and meticulously-researched novel, a companion to the beloved Under a War-Torn Sky.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, World War II, War, Action, Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

L. M. Elliott was an award-winning magazine journalist for 20 years before becoming a New York Times bestselling author of historical and biographical novels. Three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award and winner of multiple Dateline Awards, Elliott focused primarily on women's issues. Her groundbreaking profile of a domestic violence survivor, wife of a high-level federal government appointee, was one of the first to discuss "white-collar" violence against women and the psychological/emotional control intrinsic to the abuse. Elliott’s extensive reporting experience on such topics informed and enriched the themes and characters of TRUTH, LIES, AND THE QUESTIONS IN BETWEEN. It is her third docudrama-novel exploring a fraught political era and the dangers of disinformation, unchecked power, hate-rhetoric, and censorship.

Her 14 novels cover a variety of era--–the Cold War, WWII, the Great Depression, American Revolution, and the Italian Renaissance–--and are for a variety of readerships, ages middle grade to adult. Her works have been honored with the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American prizes for historical fiction; been named NCSS/CBC Notables, Bank Street College of Education Bests, Kirkus Bests, Capitol Choices, and to the TXLA Tayshas HS Reading Lists; as well as named finalists for state awards in VA, MD, PA, UT, ME, VT, KS, IA, and SC.

She holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a MA in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one day, because I could not stop reading it! Now I’m sad, though, because this was the third and last book in this series. 😕
So, so good! This novel focuses on the lives of two young British evacuee brothers, who have come to stay with Patsy Ratcliff’s family during WW2. Patsy was the sweetheart of Henry, the male protagonist of “Under a War-Torn Sky”, and “A Troubled Peace.” It provides many details about life on the American home front, as well as depicting experiences of children who had to evacuate from Great Britain.
A must-read for historical fiction lovers!

[Reet Champion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sent from Great Britain to the States for their own protection Charles and Wes Bishop are attempting to adjust to their new lifestyle in Virginia. Something that isn't always made easy since they live in the same home as their own personal pubic enemy no. 1. Between bullying encountered from aforementioned person and prejudices outside the home, life could be more pleasant for the boys. In the course of their stay in Virginia the Bishop boys will have to learn to stand up for their beliefs and face the realities of war.

There are a number of books that have been released for juvenile readers that deal with the World War II American homefront. They were either really good or duds. Across a War-Tossed Sea fell somewhere in between. Anymore I don't approach juvy historical fiction hopefully (there are some exceptions) so I can't say I'm disappointed with the story. L. M. Elliot comes highly recommended and with good reason. I read two of her books some years ago and relished the story lines and rich details of history (yeah, yeah, I was another type of reader than the one I am now but certainly my tastes haven't changed so dramatically). But Ms. Elliot's latest lacks substance. The whole story was rather dry although the dialogue isn't nearly as cheesy as competing books. Overall I found the story yawn-worthy. Much of the drive came from characters' anger issues and prejudice of each other. The "British" (i.e. English) were almost too British (believe me, you'd have to read this one to understand) and there was a certain line that left me cringing over it's "stereotypical" characteristic.

There were times when the story reminded me of Wind at My Back sans adventure. And that's what it was seriously lacking: adventure. I understand an author's desire to capture everyday happening in the lives of everyday people, but when I read a book I'd like to find exhilarating adventure. And we don't really get to that until the very end of the book. So, yeah, this may be a book for some people, but not for me. It doesn't exactly win points with me either when the child character calls another person b-----d either. Beware: there's more language encountered.

DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “Across a War-Tossed Sea” from NetGalley.com provided by the publishers, Disney Book Group, in exchange for our honest review.

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[Anthony Chornyy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Across a War-Torn Sea was a great book.The main characters Charles and Wesley Bishop are forced to flee their homeland(Britain) because of the constant German attacks on their city. Charles and Wesley move in with the Ratcliffes, their father saved Mr. Ratcliffe's life, so Mr. Ratcliffe felt obligated to help the Bishops. Throughout the story Wesley and Charles write letters to their parents, and Charles is sent home after an unexpected accident. Overall you should read this book and find out what happens.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brothers Charlie and Wesley have been evacuated from England to rural Virginia, to live with an American family. In this coming of age tale they come to terms with their time in America while facing differences in culture in regards to sports, segregation, race, and the war coming in its own form to American shores.



Across a War-Tossed Sea is a unique WWII coming of age tale of two British brothers evacuated to American soil to wait out the war.



Charlie is the older of the brothers, he is good natured, good at sports, and tries his best to put on a brave face for his younger brother. He wants to fight for his country, like some of his older mates who are serving.



Wesley is the younger, and my favorite of the brothers. He looks up to his older brother, and does his best to be brave away from his parents, and facing bullies. He has a youthful innocence and honesty about him that made him more relatable to me personally. I like his friendship with Freddy and how he does his best to fix the conflict between himself and Ron.



A coming of age tale of two British boys waiting out the war in Virginia. The author does a good job of contrasting the boys with their American peers, as well as showing their dislike of being an ocean away and feeling helpless to serve their country. A quick historical read.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

War is not fun. War is not finding the “one true love of your life” and all that sappy stuff. War is tough. War is real. This is what 14 year old Charles and 10 year old Wesley realized as their country is crumbling by Nazi bombs. England is at war and their dad sends them to America to keep them safe. In America Charles and Wesley move to a farm owned by a friend of their dad’s who has a wife, four sons and one daughter. Charles and Wesley struggle with fitting in in America but soon become more comfortable. They start to learn all the different words and phrases of the American people even if its different from their more formal English culture. They start to see how involved America is in the war and how much they wish England could be in better shape like America. This story is a good war/family story of life on a farm in America during World War 2. I love learning about World War 2 and especially from the American view of it. I really enjoyed this book because of this but also because I liked the family aspect of it. The problems they had with taking in two more people and the fun times they had because of it made this book more enjoyable to read. Charles and Wesley saw that even though America is different from England, America has just the same amount and maybe even more patriotism and courage to help them win the war. Only then can Charles and Wesley return home.

[Shaun McCloskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though easy to read this book I believe it's alright and I wouldn't mind a squeal to this book. Taking place in WWII and seeing the war through the eyes of two British kids who've taken refugee in the U.S is really interesting. The two brothers of course face some trouble now and then but that kind of trouble is the type any kid would face in that time. One big conflict I say in the book though was the life of the older brother who really feels its his duty to go back to England and help with the war effort and not only that but the relationship he has with this one girl. Overall this book is good and I would mind another book taking place right after where this one left off of.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Across a War-Tossed Sea Elliott, Laura * 3 YA Hist.WWII British boys in coastal rural Virginia at beginning of WWII staying with American family experience tension unknowns of farm life & fears from parents left in England guilt over not being there too & relationships with German POWs 2015 3/4/2015

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

While not directly showing the ravages of war, in an idyllic setting, two brothers feel the affects and learn to cope with life away from family. This has good lessons, but written so simply, I'm surprised by the consistent use of profanity and was surprised to discover the author is a woman.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for upper elementary and above.

[Anna Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why isn't there a fourth book? Excuse me. I need more.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's September 1943 near Richmond, Virginia and Bishop brothers, Wesley, 10, and Charles, 14, have been living with the Ratcliff family for over three years now, after being evacuated from war-torn London. And there is nothing Charles, called Chuck by his American family, would like more than to return home and do his bit for the war, but his parents still refuse to let him. Besides, Wesley still has frequent nightmares about firebombs hitting their home during the Blitz and about the possibility of being torpedoed by Nazi submarines while crossing the U-boat infested waters of the Atlantic and Charles feels responsible for taking care of him when they happen.

The Ratcliffs are a large farming family. Patsy, the only girl, is 16 and has a boyfriend named Henry flying missions overseas, next is Bobby, 15, who has become a great pal of Chuck's, followed by Ron, 12, Wesley's real nightmare, and lastly are the twins, Jamie and Johnny, 7. The war is a constant presence in this novel, making it truly a home front story.

Life isn't always easy for the Bishop brothers. Ron has always jumped at every opportunity to bully Wesley. So when Wes ends up skipping two grades and, much to Ron's annoyance, lands in his 7th grade class, the bullying only intensifies. Charles, who has become quite muscular from farm work, has made it onto the football team along with Bobby. Everyone must help out on the farm and the work is long and difficult, because of a dWes has a fascination for Native Americans that he has read about and longs to meet one, but when he does, much to his surprise, Mr. Johns is nothing like what he expected. Wes also befriends a young African American boy, and learns first hand about segregation and prejudice.

And Chuck must come to terms with his feelings about the German POWs that are brought into the area and used to help on the farms, and, ultimately, on the Ratcliff farm as well. The more he sees them, the angrier he becomes and the more he wants to go home and help. Chuck is also dealing with a crush he has on Patsy, which is especially hard on him, since he knows that her heart belongs to someone doing just what he wishes he could do.

Across a War-Tossed Sea follows the Bishop boys and the Ratcliff family through the year up to and a little beyond the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France in June 1944. It is a nice home front book that gives a good idea of what life was like for people in the United States, interspersed with letters exchanged between the boys and their parents, giving the reader a good picture of life in England under siege. In fact, this is really like a series of vignettes all connected to each other.

Given all the things that happened in this novel, I thought it was odd that after living with the Ratcliffs for over three years, the boys would feel like new arrivals and make the kind of mistakes that would most likely happen in their first year. But that didn't diminish my feelings about the story.

I thought Across a War-Tossed Sea was an exciting, interesting, thought provoking novel documenting life on the home front and the adjustments that had to be made by everyone during World War II. At the end of the book, there is a very informative Afterword giving a short recap of what was going on in Europe, the evacuation of children overseas that sometimes ended in tragedy and further explaining many of the things referred to in the novel, such as U-boats, V-bombs and secret air bases (a particularly amusing part of the novel, even though it involves a runaway German POW).

Across a War-Tossed Sea is a companion book to Across a War-Torn Sky, which follows what happens to Patsy Ratcliff's boyfriend, Henry Forester, after he is shot down over France on a flying mission for the Air Force. And, bringing things full circle, they are both companion pieces to A Troubled Peace, and the end of the war. Luckily, I have not read the two companion books yet, so I have them to look forward to.

This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was an eARC received from Net Galley

This review was originally posted on The Children's War

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Across a War-Tossed Sea by L. M. Elliott is a historical fiction set during World War II in 1943. This book is considered a companion book to Under a War-Torn Sky. You don't need to read both for the story to make sense. Under a War-Torn Sky takes place in the same time setting and the main character, Henry, has a connection to the characters in Across a War-Tossed Sea. He isn't in this book, but his name is mentioned, making the books connected in a companion format.

I read this book as part of a YA book club I am in with other teachers. See--I do as I teach! When I ask my students to participate in certain components within the classroom, I am often doing something similar, possibly even exactly the same, so that I know what my students are feeling. For this book club, I have been asked to read three books over the summer before our very first meeting in September.

I have to make an admission...I do not usually enjoy historical fiction. The underlying reason is due to my lack of definitive knowledge relating to history. It seems to me that the authors of historical fiction expect their readers to have a decent knowledge base revolving the event depicted in the story. I find myself feeling as if I am missing important details and questioning my background information about those events. This feeling leads to my lack of interest in the genre.

I did enjoy Across a War-Tossed Sea. I do know a good bit about World War II, so the holes in my knowledge didn't dissuade me as I read. Even so, I never really knew about the British children and German POWs being sent to America. I think this was an interesting element, because most of what we learn and know is focused on Europe.

Reading this story actually gave me new knowledge about this time period in our history. It drove me to research what was presented in the story and kept the learning going! That's when I know that I have connected with a historical fiction book--it piques my curiosity.

The story examines the lives of two British boys sent to live with a family in Virginia in order to escape the attacks in Great Britain. They have to work through a lot of painful emotions as the book unfolds, deciding who they are becoming and what they will stand for in life. The focus flips between both boys, who are very different from one another.

This is the type of book that would be a great connection to both Virginia studies and US history. I would absolutely recommend Across a War-Tossed Sea to middle school students.

[Stacy Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review- Across a War Tossed Sea by L. M. Elliot

Charles and Wesley Bishop lived in London during WWII. They were a part of the groups of children that were evacuated from the country as Nazi Germany attacked England. The boys were offered a safe haven in the United States. The Ratcliff family invited them in to stay as the war raged in their home country.
It is difficult for the boys to fit in with the Ratcliff family and the American culture of the time. It is very different from what they are used to. School is more lax and Wesley has been moved up a grade. He is now in the same class as Ron Ratcliff who has decided to bully Wesley. Wesley is constantly watching his back and wishing to go home.
Charles is older and has fit in better with the older boys. He has joined the football team and found a way in through sports. He is fitting in with the culture and trying to provide Wesley with advice. Charles doesn’t understand why Wesley can not be the proper Englishman and maintain a stiff upper lip.
The boys are immersed in the thoughts of the time and Wesley finds it difficult when he befriends a Negro boy named Freddy. He doesn’t understand how the Ratcliffs leave him out because of the color of his skin. He also encounters prejudice when he meets Paul Johns, a real live Indian. He is sworn to keep it a secret that they met under the circumstances that they did.
Charles spends his time fitting in and getting along well with Bobby Ratcliff, the oldest son. However he is always thinking of a way to return home and join the fighting against the Nazis bombing his home. He is finding any way he can to get involved helping with the war efforts.
Both boys are hanging on every word about the war along with their host family. Home sickness and guilt remain in their hearts as they stay in their safe haven.
This was an interesting book. The point of view the book takes is through the eyes of both British boys. They are torn and trying to fit in. It is a creative story with eye opening details. I didn’t realize what it was like then. So any teen reading this book would be pulled in, especially for the historic references and way of life during WWII for those left home in the United States. It was fascinating to see how they lived and coped with what was happening a world away yet involving their young men. It was a great read. I give it a 4 out of 5.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourteen-year-old Charles and his ten-year-old brother, Wesley Bishop, from London, were evacuated to live with the Ratcliff family in America during WWII. They survived a harrowing ocean crossing and Wesley still has nightmares of the ordeal. The Ratcliffs, a close family of five children, mother and father, have welcomed the boys to their home, especially Mr. Ratcliff, who wants to repay the boys' father for saving his life in WWI.

The boys must adjust to American life, homesickness, nightmares, and even spats with one of their new American brothers. Charles has seemed to adjust to football, instead of rugby, but Wesley has problems because he's a bookworm and finds himself in the same classroom as one of the Ratcliff boys who is repeating the grade. Wesley has a preconceived idea about Indians and is surprised when he meets one in Virginia. He also learns about prejudice when he becomes friends with a Negro boy. Charles is guilt ridden because he's not helping his family and country fight the Nazis. The situation gets worse when Charles learns the enemy is also in Virginia. They are German POWs and are even hired by Mr. Ratcliff to help on the farm. There is also the possiblity of German U-boats torpedoing the eastern coast.

The homefront in America took on a new meaning for me, especially with the Ratcliffs providing a safe haven for evacuees, yet dealing with the enemy in their midst. I really appreciated the author's research which he painted in a broad strokes in the Afterword of the book.

[Hunter Oakford · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wesley quieted, and slept. Under that big, open, starry American Sky, Charles kept watch and though of England and the changes the Allies themselves would have to make when they finally won the war" (Elliot 100).


Wesley and Charles are faced with the pain of being separated from their parents after they are sent to the United States from England during World War II to avoid the dangers of war. I thought the plot was meaningful and had a lot of depth to it; although it did take a little while to develop. I liked the author's style due to the book being through the eyes of Charles and Wesley, and how she wrote the book based off of something that could of actually happened in that time period. L.M Elliot uses indirect characterization to develop the characters early in the book through different events that occur with the main characters. This was enjoyable because the reader finds out the personalities of Wesley and Charles through their interactions with their host family, the Ratcliffs, and people in the American community. Word choice was also something I really enjoyed because it was in the perspective of two English kids, so a lot of the vocabulary was words that are used over in England. Overall, I thought Across a War-Tossed Sea was a quality book.

I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys historical/realistic fiction and wants to read a novel with emotion and meaning behind it. I am fond of these types of books and this really appealed to me. Reading this will truly give one a feeling of how it was like to live in this grave time.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across a War-Tossed Sea is excellent for teaching WWII standards that touch on America's response to the war (commonly referred to as the home front in the Common Core) and English Language Arts POV (point of view, or perspective) standards.

C8.S1.PO 4. Explain how the following factors affected the U.S. home front during World War II: a) war bond drives b) war industry c) women and minorities in the work force d) rationing e) internment of Japanese-, German-, and Italian -Americans

A pair of British brothers survive a harrowing trip across the Atlantic to be taken in by an American family to weather the war in America, while London is bombed by the Luftwaffe. This story features so many things your students wouldn't be aware of, just through use of the British POV (point of view, or perspective).

The boys are teased mercilessly for being British and they get into scrapes because they misunderstand American English and racial norms of the time period. They struggle to understand why Americans vilify the British in our colonial history in school. The boys also participate in so many things Americans were asked to do on the homefront -- collecting tin and rubber, rationing for foodstuffs, etc. There is even a small German soldier POW camp near the farm where the boys live that figures into the ending.

For the free teaching resources mentioned here, visit my blog: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/blog/war...

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles and Wesley Bishop have been evacuated from England during World War II. They are staying with the Ratcliff family in Virginia because their father had saved Mr. Ratcliff's life during WWI and he wants to repay him. The story covers the period from Labor Day 1943 to just after D-Day. It is historical fiction that manages to weave in many of the details from that time such as mandatory blackouts on the Atlantic coast (to prevent ships being spotted by U-boats), rationing of goods, recycling for the war effort, etc. But the story also has everyday life in it like studying for tests, dealing with bullies, helping with chores, and telling ghost stories around a campfire.

The different viewpoints in the story help the reader see what the war was like for Americans, British children who were sent to America, and a little of what German POWs experienced here in the States. Weaving all of that together in an interesting story and still including things like the segregation and inequality that African Americans and Native Americans were dealing with in those days is quite an achievement. This is a good book to include in a unit on WWII or to read if you enjoy historical fiction. The facts about the war are accurate without going into gory details.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Daisey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was fantastic. I loved getting to see how the young characters from England, the United States, and even Germany interacted in this story of World War II set in Virginia. It does a wonderful job of showing just how the impact of the war affected people across the world. I always find it interesting to see different perspectives of war time, and this one clearly describes how children from England adjusted to life in the U.S. after being evacuated from London. There are the struggles of dealing with the nightmares of what they left behind and also trying to fit into a culture can be baffling and not always welcoming. At the same time, there are amazing learning experiences, the fun of exploring a completely different way of life, and the joy of developing new friendships. It is a story of how even during the horror of war, people can come together for the greater good.

I will definitely be recommending this book to any of my middle school students that enjoy historical fiction set during war time.

* I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. I actually requested it from NetGalley when I saw it was a companion novel to Under a War-Torn Sky, which I had bought for my classroom but not yet had a chance to read. I will be reading that book soon (when it's not checked out by students).

[Caitlin Keller · Rating 2 out of 5]

The basic premise of the book follows Wesley and Charles, two brothers who were sent over from England as child refugees during WWII. They live with a family that are somehow connected through their father, though the reasoning isn't quite explained.

There's plenty of parts that are attempted here - the social constructs of segregation in the South, the treatment of POWs, the Nazi regime, the adjustment of boys to the American way of life. However, none of them were particularly well-executed. The boys come off as whiny often and their growth with their foster family - particularly with difficult child Ronald - is not all that engaging.

What really drove me nuts, however, was the fact that this book can even be labeled as YA when the writing is so juvenile. The main characters are 10 (Wesley) and 14 (Charles) at the beginning of the book, though a few years pass over the span. I understand that they're young, but even the actual writing about them is written so that a second grader could pick this book up and follow the plot. I think it could work as juvenile fiction, but it's just an insult to put this in the YA category with how watered down the actual writing is.

Overall, the story itself isn't bad, but the writing and uninteresting characters make it hard to get through.

[Elizabeth Curington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved L.M. Elliott since I first read Under a War-Torn Sky. It is one of my favorite WWII books to suggest to students, who generally all love it as much as I do. So, needless to say, I was super excited to read this book!

And it lived up to my expectations in almost every way. The story of two boys evacuated from London during the Blitz started later into that story than I would have expected, when Charles and Wesley had already been in Virginia for quite some time. While I was surprised, I found that worked pretty well as the story moved on. I felt like the story was just the right length and lengthy exposition would have slowed it down. The story captures the inherent tensions between the British and Americans on a personal level. Having German POWs in a camp down the road also built tension in a most satisfying way.

This book will bring a lesser-known event in history to life for teens. I can't wait to give it to my students!

*ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, Realistic, and Educational

I totally enjoyed this book because it gives a glimpse of history that is rarely discussed from a viewpoint that is rarely used, all while being a fun read. While many people realize that children from England came to the United States for safety, few have considered how difficult this was for the children, their parents, and the families that cared for them while they were in the USA. Elliott also touches on German POW camps in the US, and their life here. I think young readers will enjoy the unusual look at history as well as the relationships between the brothers and their hosts. The letters the brothers write home give the reader a perspective that enriches the characters allowing them to come alive.

This is an excellent choice for history enrichment. This is such an interesting time and this book gives students a view they have never considered before.

I recommend this book for readers who enjoy history and students who want to expand their understanding of another time.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This companion book to Under a War-Torn Sky looks at the lives of two brothers who were evacuated from London to Virginia in 1943. Charles (14) and Wesley (10) are sent by their parents to a family friend in Rural Virginia to escape the Blitz. Their father had saved Mr. Ratcliffe's life in the first World War, and he is happy to return the favor by looking after the brothers. Settling into life in the American South isn't easy for the boys. Charles feels immense guilt for leaving his parents and friends behind. Wesley suffers from nightmares both about the bombings and their perilous crossing. He is teased endlessly by one of the Ratcliffe brothers as well. This is an interesting look at life on the home front, including treatment of German POWs and the beginnings of racial integration as part of the war effort. It is not necessary to have read the companion volume. Recommended for grades 5-8.

[Jane Drabkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of two brothers that arrive in Virginia to escape the London blitz must adapt to the American way of life, overcome the memories of witnessing the torpedoing of a ship filled with children, segregation, and more. Elliot provides interesting details of the Virginia home front during World War II. The narrative is broken by letters each boy writes home, describing events to their parents from their own perspective. The American family, although not perfect, still seems too good to be true. They provide shoes, pencillin, and the hope that African-Americans will be treated better after the war. They help the Bishops grow, but haven't figured out that one of their sons is a bully. A compelling look at the fears and sacrifices of the people on the home front.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Companion to "Under a War-Torn Sky"
Although it is labeled as a companion novel, this feels more like a sequel to me, even though I haven't read the other book. In the first book, brothers Wesley and Charles left England in 1943 to escape the bombing. They survived a treacherous ocean crossing and joined relatives in Virginia.
Now the boys are trying to adapt to life without their parents as well as fitting into a rural society instead of the city life of London that they are used to. Things get even more difficult for them when they discover that there is a camp of German POWs nearby - and that they might be coming to work on their farm.
Well-written and insightful. Also covers a topic within WWII that isn't discussed much with the POWs here in America.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read my fair share of YA war lit, but this story of two brothers living in Virginia after being sent there by their parents during the London Blitz is currently up in my top five. Considering the title I expected more about their actual travel from London to Virginia, but what I got was so much more, so much better than that. Instead of a story of war and how it affects those at home, I got a beautiful story of identity, prejudice, and a great look at what it was like to be Charles' and Wes' ages during the war displaced from their friends and family (and their dogs, Hamlet and Horatio!).

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book talks about thing on the WWII. Though it mostly though the eyes of two children that are British. You hear their account about how WWII started. You getting from two children that were sent to America to escape the war that Germany and Great Britain.


You read about what the Nazi are doing and POW's and war effort and the allies. You also see what it like for British children learning to fit into the American life style and how to learn to make friends. You also learn about American Americans they used the word "Negro". You learn what life is like in 1940's and segregation's and things that were going on back then.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charles and Wesley were evacuated from London to the US during the Blitz. Now it's 1943, they are settled into their new life in Virginia but miss home. This felt more 1940s contemporary than historical fiction - which is to say, realistic but not much in the way of entry for most kids. It dealt with a lot - bullying (Wesley and his foster brother), race (Wesley and his best friend who is black), the war (the boys dealing with the German POWs who are housed and working near by, plus the events in London and what they could do on the homefront). It never came together for me. I liked it well enough, but I'm surprised this ended up on a Newbery blog.

[Sarah Bierle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A realistic story about two brothers evacuated from London and sent to America to escape the Blitz of London. The story follows their struggles to accept American customs and their efforts to support the war from the homefront. I was particularly moved by how the author addressed the wrongs of segregation and also wove in a poignant theme using German POWs.

There is a romantic theme running through the story, but it is not the story's focus. Also, there is some mild profanity.

On the whole, I enjoyed this story. It addresses new aspects of WWII and particularly emphasizes the American war effort on the homefront.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across A War-Tossed Sea

by L.M. Elliott

Disney Book Group

Disney-Hyperion
Children's Fiction

Pub Date 01 Apr 2014

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Across A War-Tossed Sea through the publisher and Netgalley:

In 1943 ten year old Wesley and fourteen year old Charles are evacuated from England to the U.S to escape the terror of the Blitz.

Soon these young boys are faced with a new life in America where they live with a host family and attend school, getting use to a different life than they had in England.

I would recommend Across A War-Tossed Sea to children in upper elementary to Highschool who are interested in historical fiction.

Five out of five stars

Happy Reading

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two young British evacuees from the Nazi Blitz in Virginia, a bully in the family they’re staying with, Nazi POWs that are hired to work on their temporary family’s farm, and a Black friend – toss these together and you have the makings of an excellent tale of friendship, tension that becomes enlightenment, and growth into self-knowledge that makes this novel a terrific novel for those of all ages.

A must read – and a terrific book to use in schools – with lots of discussion and potential writing topics.