Catching Falling Stars

by Karen McCombie (Contributor)

It's 1940. Gloria and her little brother have been evacuated to the countryside to get away from the dangers of the Blitz in London. But their new home isn't as friendly as they'd hoped. The woman they're living with, Miss Saunders, is strict, severe and an outcast in the village. And the local children and other evacuees are equally unwelcoming and mocking. But Gloria quickly learns that nothing is ever as it seems in this strange new place. As possible friends turn out to be enemies, and once sworn enemies might be the best possible friends, Gloria finally realizes that believing first impressions could mean missing out on the friendships that can last a lifetime.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Middle Grade, Childrens, World War II, Family

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2015

About the author

Karen McCombie is a bestselling author of children's and young adult novels, and has had more than 90 books published. She is the author of the much-loved series 'Ally's World' (early 2000s) and her most recent books include the Carnegie-nominated historical adventure 'Little Bird Flies' (2019) and it's newly published partner novel 'Little Bird Lands' (2020, Nosy Crow Books), plus the 'St Grizzle's School' series for younger readers (Stripes). She has several books publishing in 2021.
Originally from Scotland, Karen lives in London with her husband, her teenage daughter and beautiful but bitey cat Dizzy.

Reviews

[Jae]

This year I've read a number of books about child evacuees from World War ll, and they've all been good, including this one. The story portrays the various difficulties experienced by the children, including the unthinking cruelty by those who haven't understood their plight. I was moved by this story of displaced children, but particularly by the difficulties experienced by a 6 year old who is "a little different" from the others and shows signs of trauma (or possibly autism). Well-written and definitely worth the read.

[Saffy Tooze]

This book what my favourite book for yearrrrrrrrrrrssss when I was younger!

[Diane]

Great easy read - 9/10 year old range

[Liz Chapman]

Karen seems to have churned out masses of books which I had not come across before . This was quite a charming book about the experiences of children being evacuated during WW 11 . I rather thought it was written for teenagers rather than adults but enjoyed it never the less . The book does portray the hardships the children went through very well including the lack of understanding and rather cruel attitudes of the adults. Little Richard would have probably been found to either have post trauma or on the autistic spectrum today but he didn't stand a chance back then. I liked the fast forward in time to 2015 to find out how the. Children fared in their lives . If I find another of Karen's books in the second hand shops I will get it to read .

[Lisa Denford]

I stopped reading this book early on because I didn’t like the disrespectful attitudes of the children to Mrs. Mann. Granted she was meant to be an unlikeable character but the way the children reacted to her was not what I would like my children to read and also not in line with the attitudes of respect in that era.

[Stuti]

Although I love Y.A. , there is something about middle grade fiction that draws me toward it. This is another charming and innocent gem in the sea of middle grade and can be enjoyed by all ages! The character of Rich was such a treat! Just go into it with a free mind and let the vivid characters work their magic!!!

[Silas]

It is quite hard for me to get through this book, as the narrative is from a 13 years old girl but couldn't be more glad to be able to push myself to get all the way to the end. Very well worthy. It's so cute, fluffy and heartwarming.

[Bridie McPhee]

I read this in primary school, honesty probably one of the best books I've ever read. I remembered the name of this book for years, I tried to reborrow it from my primary school library but apparently they never had it, glad to know I wasn't crazy

[Meg]

Lovely story... but constant references to “Her majesty” when it was a King bothered me!!!!

[Marzi]

I thought it was really good, but i hate those sorts of endings, when the people are old, but i like how they saw Jess again. I loved it!

[Briarne]

Such a great storyline. Loved the characters and the descriptions were gorgeous :)

[Issy]

Read this ages ago in Primary School and loved it to bits, recommend for any historical romance coming of age fans 😊

[Krys]

4 stars

[Wendy Bamber]

Sweet evacuation story, plenty going on, nice ending.

[Eva]

i love the book.

[Jane]

Enjoyed this book and glad Poppy wanted me to read it. Reminded me of 'Goodnight Mr Tom'. But gentle.

[Eri]

It’s an amazing read and I’d recommend it to anyone. I love the way it’s written and the way the characters developed

[Poppy]

Was good

[Sharon Joseph]

the evacuations and the bombings all soo sad