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The Blitz Bus
An engaging historical time travel adventure set in WW2 - perfect for fans of Emma Carroll or Michael Morpurgo.
Emmie let out a huge sob – “It’s not a film set”, she cried. She held onto Jack for a moment, then took a step back, closed her eyes and shouted - “WHERE AM I?”
When Jack and Emmie suddenly find themselves transported back to London in 1940, they find a world both familiar, yet very different. As they dodge falling bombs and over-zealous policemen, they befriend Jan - a lonely Polish refugee. Together, they must work out if the shadowy figure they keep seeing is a spy and unlock the secret of getting home again…
This educational story helps to weave current views and historical events together in an exciting adventure which will appeal to both boys and girls between 8 and 12.
'An excellent book to read when studying WW2.' Matt Wilson, Awordaboutbooks
'This book represents why I like historical fiction so much.' Julie DenOuden, Girl On The Move Reads
'A perfect way to educate subtly through the eyes of two children.' Susan Johnston, Goodreads
'Would have a younger reader on the edge of their seat.' Sherry Fowler Chancellor, Ramblings of a Writer
Emmie let out a huge sob – “It’s not a film set”, she cried. She held onto Jack for a moment, then took a step back, closed her eyes and shouted - “WHERE AM I?”
When Jack and Emmie suddenly find themselves transported back to London in 1940, they find a world both familiar, yet very different. As they dodge falling bombs and over-zealous policemen, they befriend Jan - a lonely Polish refugee. Together, they must work out if the shadowy figure they keep seeing is a spy and unlock the secret of getting home again…
This educational story helps to weave current views and historical events together in an exciting adventure which will appeal to both boys and girls between 8 and 12.
'An excellent book to read when studying WW2.' Matt Wilson, Awordaboutbooks
'This book represents why I like historical fiction so much.' Julie DenOuden, Girl On The Move Reads
'A perfect way to educate subtly through the eyes of two children.' Susan Johnston, Goodreads
'Would have a younger reader on the edge of their seat.' Sherry Fowler Chancellor, Ramblings of a Writer
218 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2021
32 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Glen Blackwell
4 books17 followersI have worked in finance for many years. I wrote and published my first children's book after getting the inspiration reading to my own children. I love being able to help with the escapism that can be found through books.
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July 21, 2021Fell in love with the cover and I just got the ARC. Life is 💖
January 8, 2022
THE BLITZ BUS is a compelling timeslip novel set in contemporary London, as well as in 1940, when Nazi bombs rained down terror daily. It seemed as if I were right there with young Jack and Emmie, catching the bus during the present and finding themselves flung back to WWII once they get off.
I felt their fear as the Nazis pounded the city, their angst as they wondered how they'd ever get home again, and their relief at finding friends in Jan and Stan, two Polish children who arrived in England via the Kindertransport.
The spectacular cover and gripping tale grabbed this adult and will certainly intrigue MG students learning about WWII. Should be in every school and public library on both sides of the pond. Out now.
Thanks for the ARC to author Glen Blackwell and BooksGoSocial; opinions are mine.
I felt their fear as the Nazis pounded the city, their angst as they wondered how they'd ever get home again, and their relief at finding friends in Jan and Stan, two Polish children who arrived in England via the Kindertransport.
The spectacular cover and gripping tale grabbed this adult and will certainly intrigue MG students learning about WWII. Should be in every school and public library on both sides of the pond. Out now.
Thanks for the ARC to author Glen Blackwell and BooksGoSocial; opinions are mine.
August 17, 2021
I was drawn to this book because it featured two genres that always appeal to me - world war history and time travel. I found the story to be a fairly quick easy read that would be well suited to primary school students and would hopefully interest them in exploring the subject matter in more depth.
The story begins when Jack's teacher assigns students a writing project on what it might have been like to live in London at the time of the Blitz when children were often being sent off to live in the country. It's difficult for Jack to really imagine what it would be like and he struggles to produce anything that will please the teacher which makes him late meeting his friend Emmie at the bus stop. He almost misses the bus but gets on through the back just in time and before they know it Jack and friend Emmie find themselves in what seems like a movie scene but turns out to be London in WW2. Not only are they dealing with culture shock but they quickly learn that people will stop them and ask why they aren't in school. Life becomes a little easier when they meet Jan - a young boy who had arrived in England via Kindertransport and who is having trouble making friends among his classmates. He misses his home in Poland.
There is a little mystery thrown in when the trio encounter another youth who seems to be acting in a suspicious manner. Might he be a spy? If they do something abut him will it change their future? Can they tell anyone that they are time travelers and how can they possibly get home to their own time?
For North American readers the language may take a little getting used to and the ending of the story is pretty abrupt but overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to younger readers.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The story begins when Jack's teacher assigns students a writing project on what it might have been like to live in London at the time of the Blitz when children were often being sent off to live in the country. It's difficult for Jack to really imagine what it would be like and he struggles to produce anything that will please the teacher which makes him late meeting his friend Emmie at the bus stop. He almost misses the bus but gets on through the back just in time and before they know it Jack and friend Emmie find themselves in what seems like a movie scene but turns out to be London in WW2. Not only are they dealing with culture shock but they quickly learn that people will stop them and ask why they aren't in school. Life becomes a little easier when they meet Jan - a young boy who had arrived in England via Kindertransport and who is having trouble making friends among his classmates. He misses his home in Poland.
There is a little mystery thrown in when the trio encounter another youth who seems to be acting in a suspicious manner. Might he be a spy? If they do something abut him will it change their future? Can they tell anyone that they are time travelers and how can they possibly get home to their own time?
For North American readers the language may take a little getting used to and the ending of the story is pretty abrupt but overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to younger readers.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
January 12, 2023
This was a really good middle grade time travel book, sometimes heartbreaking and also hopeful and fun.
Two friends find themselves on a bus in London heading for 1940. They find that they have to fend for themselves as well as trying to stay away from the law, and also try to find their way back to their own time.
Meeting new friends and the dangers of ww2 find these two struggling through a different time that they never thought they would see.
Two friends find themselves on a bus in London heading for 1940. They find that they have to fend for themselves as well as trying to stay away from the law, and also try to find their way back to their own time.
Meeting new friends and the dangers of ww2 find these two struggling through a different time that they never thought they would see.
January 3, 2022
When his teacher assigns her class to write a fictional diary entry of a WWII evacuee, Jack, 12, just can't think of anything to write. Somehow, the war seems so long ago and he just can't relate. And now, he's going to be late meeting his best friend, Emmie Langford after school. Being a good friend, Emmie has been waiting at their bus stop when Jack finally shows up.
Everything seems normal until they reached their stop and notice a new blue storefront with a mannequin wearing a long coat and a gas mask in the window. Suddenly, there is a flash of light and it begins to rain heavily, so they head to the nearby Tube station for shelter, along with everyone else.
Everything at the Tube station feels like it's out of time, causing Emmie to think they are in the midst of a film set in 1940. But gradually she and Jack realize they have landed in the midst of a WWII air raid, instead, and that somehow they have traveled back in time. With no money, no food, and no friends, Jack and Emmie begin to try to figure out how they can return to their own time. Along the way, they become friends with Jan, a Polish boy who arrived in England a few years earlier on the Kindertransport. The three discover an old Anderson shelter behind a bombed and abandoned house as Jan helps them navigate this unfamiliar London. When they discover what appears someone trying to build a makeshift radio, they are convinced the mysterious boy/man they have noticed is a German spy.
The German spy turns out to be Stan, who also arrived in London on the Kindertransport, but unlike Jan, whose foster family is quite kind, Stan's treats him terribly. As they become friends with Jan and Stan, can Jack and Emmie trust them with their secret and perhaps get some ideas of how they can return to the own time? Or will they be stranded in 1940 forever?
The Blitz Bus is an interesting time travel novel that points out how as things recede into history, they don't carry the same level of interest or impact that they once had. Jack may live in East London, which had been heavily bombed and damaged during the war, but he's interested in video games and football, not history. I thought that Blackwell portrayed what London in the Blitz was like quite well, layering it with the different experiences of the two Kindertransport kids, their loneliness and homesickness, emotions Jack comes to appreciate firsthand.
The novel also points out how people were so suspicious of foreigners during the war that they often suspected them of being spies, just as Jack, Emmie, and Jan thought that about Stan.
Interestingly, the Tube station that Emmie and Jack shelter in was the Bethnal Green Station which was destroyed in 1943, killing 173 people. Blackwell includes more about it in his back matter, that also includes information on the Kindertransport, and instructions for making the kind of radio out things found, similar to the radio Stan builds to listen to new about Poland.
I have to admit that I was hoping that once they returned to their own time, Jack and Emmie would try to find out what happened to Jan and Stan, whether they were living, and if they were, did they remember their two time traveling friends?
Readers looking for a time travel adventure, as well as those who enjoy historical fiction set in WWII will no doubt enjoy reading about Jack and Emmie's exploits in this imaginative novel.
This book was an eARC gratefully received from NetGalley
Everything seems normal until they reached their stop and notice a new blue storefront with a mannequin wearing a long coat and a gas mask in the window. Suddenly, there is a flash of light and it begins to rain heavily, so they head to the nearby Tube station for shelter, along with everyone else.
Everything at the Tube station feels like it's out of time, causing Emmie to think they are in the midst of a film set in 1940. But gradually she and Jack realize they have landed in the midst of a WWII air raid, instead, and that somehow they have traveled back in time. With no money, no food, and no friends, Jack and Emmie begin to try to figure out how they can return to their own time. Along the way, they become friends with Jan, a Polish boy who arrived in England a few years earlier on the Kindertransport. The three discover an old Anderson shelter behind a bombed and abandoned house as Jan helps them navigate this unfamiliar London. When they discover what appears someone trying to build a makeshift radio, they are convinced the mysterious boy/man they have noticed is a German spy.
The German spy turns out to be Stan, who also arrived in London on the Kindertransport, but unlike Jan, whose foster family is quite kind, Stan's treats him terribly. As they become friends with Jan and Stan, can Jack and Emmie trust them with their secret and perhaps get some ideas of how they can return to the own time? Or will they be stranded in 1940 forever?
The Blitz Bus is an interesting time travel novel that points out how as things recede into history, they don't carry the same level of interest or impact that they once had. Jack may live in East London, which had been heavily bombed and damaged during the war, but he's interested in video games and football, not history. I thought that Blackwell portrayed what London in the Blitz was like quite well, layering it with the different experiences of the two Kindertransport kids, their loneliness and homesickness, emotions Jack comes to appreciate firsthand.
The novel also points out how people were so suspicious of foreigners during the war that they often suspected them of being spies, just as Jack, Emmie, and Jan thought that about Stan.
Interestingly, the Tube station that Emmie and Jack shelter in was the Bethnal Green Station which was destroyed in 1943, killing 173 people. Blackwell includes more about it in his back matter, that also includes information on the Kindertransport, and instructions for making the kind of radio out things found, similar to the radio Stan builds to listen to new about Poland.
I have to admit that I was hoping that once they returned to their own time, Jack and Emmie would try to find out what happened to Jan and Stan, whether they were living, and if they were, did they remember their two time traveling friends?
Readers looking for a time travel adventure, as well as those who enjoy historical fiction set in WWII will no doubt enjoy reading about Jack and Emmie's exploits in this imaginative novel.
This book was an eARC gratefully received from NetGalley
August 24, 2021
I received this book in exchange for a fair review. This middle grade book is a good one for children to learn about the London Blitz and WWII days of 1940. The main characters, Jack and Emmie are in modern day London and Jack is assigned to write an essay about the London Blitz and how a lot of children were evacuated to the countryside during that time. Meanwhile, in Emmie’s drama class, they are acting out the children leaving their parents.
Jack has a hard time envisioning the city at that time and is kept back at school that afternoon to finish his paper,, making him almost late to meet his friend Emmie.
When they are finally on the bus headed home, they look out and see a shop they haven’t seen before. In the window is a mannequin who has a gas mask.
Exiting the bus, there is a large unexplained bang. It’s raining and they take shelter at a tube station. Everyone is dressed differently than Emmie and Jack. There are cots set up in the station. The two children think they’ve stumbled onto a film set. Until very real bombs start falling and they find themselves in the middle of an air raid.
They make friends with a boy in the shelter, but don’t tell him they have somehow come from another time period.
The adventure really begins here. Jack and Emmie discover food lines, cratered buildings, rationing, bombs, anti-aircraft balloons, air raid shelters in yards, and, as well, have to hide from authorities. They fear spies are around and being taken for spies themselves with their modern items like Jack’s calculator. They find some help from their new friend, Jan, a boy from Poland.
Even though I am nowhere near the age for middle grade stories, I enjoy them and this one was particularly good. The fact that the children were studying this era in school and couldn’t imagine how people were living and then were transported there is very educational—yet done in a fun way—A lot of interesting historical facts came through in a way that entertains and would have a younger reader on the edge of their seat worried about the two protagonists and how they would solve their problems as well as how they would be able to get back to their own time period.
The only thing I would have liked to be added to the story would be an epilogue of the children finding the friends they made in the 21st century when the friends were elderly. That would have been a fun ending. Overall, I was happy with the story and would recommend it to the middle grade age group as a history lesson full of interesting reading that will hold their interest.
Jack has a hard time envisioning the city at that time and is kept back at school that afternoon to finish his paper,, making him almost late to meet his friend Emmie.
When they are finally on the bus headed home, they look out and see a shop they haven’t seen before. In the window is a mannequin who has a gas mask.
Exiting the bus, there is a large unexplained bang. It’s raining and they take shelter at a tube station. Everyone is dressed differently than Emmie and Jack. There are cots set up in the station. The two children think they’ve stumbled onto a film set. Until very real bombs start falling and they find themselves in the middle of an air raid.
They make friends with a boy in the shelter, but don’t tell him they have somehow come from another time period.
The adventure really begins here. Jack and Emmie discover food lines, cratered buildings, rationing, bombs, anti-aircraft balloons, air raid shelters in yards, and, as well, have to hide from authorities. They fear spies are around and being taken for spies themselves with their modern items like Jack’s calculator. They find some help from their new friend, Jan, a boy from Poland.
Even though I am nowhere near the age for middle grade stories, I enjoy them and this one was particularly good. The fact that the children were studying this era in school and couldn’t imagine how people were living and then were transported there is very educational—yet done in a fun way—A lot of interesting historical facts came through in a way that entertains and would have a younger reader on the edge of their seat worried about the two protagonists and how they would solve their problems as well as how they would be able to get back to their own time period.
The only thing I would have liked to be added to the story would be an epilogue of the children finding the friends they made in the 21st century when the friends were elderly. That would have been a fun ending. Overall, I was happy with the story and would recommend it to the middle grade age group as a history lesson full of interesting reading that will hold their interest.
August 27, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: Modern day Jack is struggling to relate to the history of WWII. So often people of all ages think all history is nothing but a litany of dates and facts. They cannot grasp that it is the story of people, not unlike themselves, living in very different times. Someone, someday, may be reading a book about what they are experiencing right now. For me, that is the beauty and the pathos of history. This book is a wonderful story of how that we learn more by being able to put ourselves into the story than we can by dry reading.
For Jack and Emmie, the opportunity to do this is thrust upon them unwillingly. They get off a bus and walk into London, 1940, during the Blitz. Many of the children who were born in London had been transported to safer locations but the refugees from war-torn Europe arrive in the city under fire. Before they know it they are swept into the Bethnal Green Tube station during a raid. They experience the fear, despair and the depreciations first hand. Using their wits, they are able to survive and avoid capture until they can figure out a way to return to their time. Of great interest to me was the choice of the tube station as it was the scene of a great disaster later in the war.
Before the two children can return the lessons continue. They meet two very different Polish refugees who, through them, find the first true friends they have made since coming to England. By the time Jack and Emmie wave goodbye to Jan and Stan, they know the two lonely boys will support each other after they leave.
The book tells the story of the lives of everyday people during the Blitz. I have done a lot of reading and study on the Blitz. The story is a perfect way to educate subtlety through the eyes of two children. It is easy to read and understand. I would recommend it to the young reader who likes adventure stories set in the past. It is both informative and entertaining. Five purrs and two paws up.
For Jack and Emmie, the opportunity to do this is thrust upon them unwillingly. They get off a bus and walk into London, 1940, during the Blitz. Many of the children who were born in London had been transported to safer locations but the refugees from war-torn Europe arrive in the city under fire. Before they know it they are swept into the Bethnal Green Tube station during a raid. They experience the fear, despair and the depreciations first hand. Using their wits, they are able to survive and avoid capture until they can figure out a way to return to their time. Of great interest to me was the choice of the tube station as it was the scene of a great disaster later in the war.
Before the two children can return the lessons continue. They meet two very different Polish refugees who, through them, find the first true friends they have made since coming to England. By the time Jack and Emmie wave goodbye to Jan and Stan, they know the two lonely boys will support each other after they leave.
The book tells the story of the lives of everyday people during the Blitz. I have done a lot of reading and study on the Blitz. The story is a perfect way to educate subtlety through the eyes of two children. It is easy to read and understand. I would recommend it to the young reader who likes adventure stories set in the past. It is both informative and entertaining. Five purrs and two paws up.
September 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It has so many things I have learned that I enjoy reading about-time travel, & life during WWII. When Jack and Emmie suddenly find themselves transported back to London in 1940, they find a world both familiar, yet very different. As they dodge falling bombs and over-zealous policemen, they befriend Jan - a lonely Polish refugee. Together, they must work out if the shadowy figure they keep seeing is a spy and unlock the secret of getting home again. There are so many amazing characters in here with all such different circumstances. I loved how they all came together, & loved watching this friend group grow & bond. Jan especially, has my heart. I found everything so intriguing. History always does that to me. I also REALLY want to make my own radio now too! So fascinating! Lol I love how the author put some historical facts about the time & some of the things mentioned in the book, in the back of the book too. An amazing adventure, full of friendship & bravery. Really makes you think about what it would have actually been like to live through all of that. I think the way the kids think of the war before they travel back in time versus what they think when they go there & live it for themselves was brilliantly done, & I think would be an accurate representation of that scenario. For the crazy people out in the world that say some of the horrific things that happened then never happened….I can only think they say these insane things, because it’s so unfathomable to think of these purely evil things occurring & nothing being done for quite a while. But they DID happen, & they DID occur, & NOTHING was done for a while. Many people died & suffered horribly in many different horrible ways. You can’t say it didn’t happen & take that away from the victims. We must never forget, & always remember & honor the innocent. Amazing book, & I can’t wait to see what the author comes out with next. Beautiful cover by Vera Egoshina too!💜
October 3, 2021
Sometimes I enjoy reading middle-grade books because if nothing else, it might teach me a thing or two. In this case, it was an almost teen's perspective of what the blitz was like for the children of the 1940s. This book also combines a little bit of fantasy and sci-fi into the mix with the time travel aspect of the story.
It starts off with Jack being asked to write a page about what children might have thought or felt during WWII especially during the blitz. He is like any other 12 year old and has no idea what to think or write. Emmie is in another class and they are acting out the same type of scenario but neither really have any idea what those children went through 80 years ago. That is until the bus they are riding on zaps them back to the past and they are dumped into the reality of the 1940s.
This is truly a learning experience for Jack and Emmie. They have to figure out how to fend for themselves when it comes to food and shelter, avoid the police, and they also have to figure out how they were taken back to the past and how do they get back to their time? Luckily, they meet a couple of other young children that they befriend and it is an adventure for all of them. Jan (pronounced Yan) and Stan (short for Stanislaw) are from Poland and were part of the program that took young children from their countries and housed them in England where they would hopefully survive the war. These four form a fast friendship despite some misunderstandings at first.
This was a somewhat fast read for me, but one that was enjoyable because I too couldn't wait to find out how they were going to get back to the present. Thankfully, there are people that took care of them at times with food, shelter, and friendship. I think this experience definitely taught these two a little something about history and what they shouldn't take for granted in their own time.
I think this would be a great read for anyone and we give it 5 paws up.
It starts off with Jack being asked to write a page about what children might have thought or felt during WWII especially during the blitz. He is like any other 12 year old and has no idea what to think or write. Emmie is in another class and they are acting out the same type of scenario but neither really have any idea what those children went through 80 years ago. That is until the bus they are riding on zaps them back to the past and they are dumped into the reality of the 1940s.
This is truly a learning experience for Jack and Emmie. They have to figure out how to fend for themselves when it comes to food and shelter, avoid the police, and they also have to figure out how they were taken back to the past and how do they get back to their time? Luckily, they meet a couple of other young children that they befriend and it is an adventure for all of them. Jan (pronounced Yan) and Stan (short for Stanislaw) are from Poland and were part of the program that took young children from their countries and housed them in England where they would hopefully survive the war. These four form a fast friendship despite some misunderstandings at first.
This was a somewhat fast read for me, but one that was enjoyable because I too couldn't wait to find out how they were going to get back to the present. Thankfully, there are people that took care of them at times with food, shelter, and friendship. I think this experience definitely taught these two a little something about history and what they shouldn't take for granted in their own time.
I think this would be a great read for anyone and we give it 5 paws up.
March 21, 2022
Thanks to Glen for sending me a copy of his children’s book in return for an honest review.
This may be aimed at 8-12 year olds, and at almost 30 I’m slightly out of that age range, but I still think it was a really captivating book.
World War 2 can be a difficult topic to breach with young children, but it is a vitally important one, and I think Glen has done it perfectly for his audience. It doesn’t shy away from the hardships experienced during the war, but in an age-appropriate way. I’m sure the war was frightening for children at the time, but I have read stories previously where children are treating it like a game in order to feel calm, and that’s a big part of this book.
We see how the war affects adults as well as younger children, but also older children/younger adults, which is an age group often omitted from history, which is why I think it will appeal to readers of all ages.
I think one reason why it appealed to me as an adult was the nods to real-life history, such as the air raids on the docks, and the tube station disaster. It is entertaining and riveting and thoughtful.
I think there’s definitely scope for a sequel, exploring more of the modern-day adventures, and the friends they left behind.
This may be aimed at 8-12 year olds, and at almost 30 I’m slightly out of that age range, but I still think it was a really captivating book.
World War 2 can be a difficult topic to breach with young children, but it is a vitally important one, and I think Glen has done it perfectly for his audience. It doesn’t shy away from the hardships experienced during the war, but in an age-appropriate way. I’m sure the war was frightening for children at the time, but I have read stories previously where children are treating it like a game in order to feel calm, and that’s a big part of this book.
We see how the war affects adults as well as younger children, but also older children/younger adults, which is an age group often omitted from history, which is why I think it will appeal to readers of all ages.
I think one reason why it appealed to me as an adult was the nods to real-life history, such as the air raids on the docks, and the tube station disaster. It is entertaining and riveting and thoughtful.
I think there’s definitely scope for a sequel, exploring more of the modern-day adventures, and the friends they left behind.
July 23, 2021
On the bus home from school, Jack and Emmie felt a big flash and the shaking of the ground. They got off to find themselves back in the past, 1940. They were stuck there and have no idea how to get back. With the help of the friend they met named Jan and a mysterious someone, will they able to get back into their time?
I was interested in this book first because of its beautiful cover and reading it, I loved it even more! This book was so fun to read. I learned a lot about World War II in England's perspective and I feel smart now. The characters were incredible and shoutout to Emmie for being my favourite character. It was definitely a page turner for me and I love it so much!
This book comes out in 9.7.21 and I recommend ya'll to go and buy it when it comes out!
I was interested in this book first because of its beautiful cover and reading it, I loved it even more! This book was so fun to read. I learned a lot about World War II in England's perspective and I feel smart now. The characters were incredible and shoutout to Emmie for being my favourite character. It was definitely a page turner for me and I love it so much!
This book comes out in 9.7.21 and I recommend ya'll to go and buy it when it comes out!
October 7, 2021
This was a very cute book. Obviously, the cover is very pretty, so that's what got me into it, as well as the travelling back in time aspect.
I think this would be perfect for kids in primary school. It was a really, really fast read. It's not complicated, it's very easy to follow, as you can imagine the language isn't too complex.
I liked that historical facts were mixed into the story.
Overall, it was enjoyable.
I think this would be perfect for kids in primary school. It was a really, really fast read. It's not complicated, it's very easy to follow, as you can imagine the language isn't too complex.
I liked that historical facts were mixed into the story.
Overall, it was enjoyable.
November 2, 2021
This book is definitely recommended for middle grade readers in the UK, and for others, if and when they learn about WWII. The story is told about 2 kids who are learning about WWII in school, and when they get on a red bus, they are somehow transported back in time to when The Blitz has occurred. They meet children who were moved from their homes to new families to try and keep them safe, and experience what life was like during that time, as they try to find their way home.
Last year I read Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah, and that was the first time I heard about the children being sent away from their families to try and stay safe. Had I not read that, then this book would have been confusing for me. The ending is very abrupt though - I do wish that there was a bit more to it in order to see what each child learned. This would be a great companion piece to a project about WWII.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a free copy for review via NetGalley.
Last year I read Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah, and that was the first time I heard about the children being sent away from their families to try and stay safe. Had I not read that, then this book would have been confusing for me. The ending is very abrupt though - I do wish that there was a bit more to it in order to see what each child learned. This would be a great companion piece to a project about WWII.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a free copy for review via NetGalley.
August 31, 2021
I love children’s historical fiction and was delighted when I received a copy of Glen Blackwell’s new book. As a primary school teacher I have read many quality children’s books set during the second world war; Once, Goodnight Mister Tom, Letters from the Lighthouse, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, The Umbrella Mouse and Our Castle by the Sea are all superb and explore various aspects and experiences of World War 2. All of the aforementioned are must reads and I can now add The Blitz Bus to that list of wonderful wartime stories.
The Blitz Bus is the story of two children, Jack and Emmie, who inexplicably find themselves transported back to London, 1940, on their way home from school. At first they are convinced they have inadvertently stepped into a film set but then the bombs start falling, they attract the attention of the authorities, have to seek safety in the underground and it quickly becomes apparent that this is most definitely their new reality. Along with new friend Jan - a polish refugee - they must work to uncover the identity of a potential spy and try to find a way to get back home.
The Blitz Bus is a thrilling wartime adventure that explores the Blitz through the eyes of children and it makes for a very enjoyable and educational read. For a historical wartime read, the whole idea for the book is unique and original and I love the concept. At school, both Jack and Emmie are struggling to properly imagine what life would have been like during World War 2 so what better way to understand it than to experience it for themselves.
Finding themselves in 1940’s London the children are surrounded by a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar. London is being bombed, people seek shelter in air-raid shelters, food is rationed and every day is a battle to survive. The story-telling is peppered with historical facts and Blackwell’s well-researched and accurate descriptions immerse readers into wartime London, it is easy to imagine what it would have been like which is exactly what children need unless they plan on sneaking a ride on the Blitz Bus.
In their search to get back home, Emmie and Jack meet two young polish children, Jan and Stan, who have travelled to England via the Kindertransport system in the hope of finding safe refuge from the German army. Jan and Stan's personal stories add another welcome historical element to the narrative and as the friendship develops between the children from the past and the present, emotional conversations shed light on the experiences of wartime refugees and the struggles and challenges they faced at being in an unfamiliar country and far from home. I really enjoyed this aspect of the narrative as these are important stories that need to be heard.
The Blitz Bus is a very accessible read that I raced through in a very enjoyable morning. I would highly recommend to children in upper key stage two, it would be an excellent book to read when studying World War 2.
With huge thanks to Glen Blackwell and Zoetrope for my copy of this brilliant wartime read.
Recommended for 9+.
The Blitz Bus is the story of two children, Jack and Emmie, who inexplicably find themselves transported back to London, 1940, on their way home from school. At first they are convinced they have inadvertently stepped into a film set but then the bombs start falling, they attract the attention of the authorities, have to seek safety in the underground and it quickly becomes apparent that this is most definitely their new reality. Along with new friend Jan - a polish refugee - they must work to uncover the identity of a potential spy and try to find a way to get back home.
The Blitz Bus is a thrilling wartime adventure that explores the Blitz through the eyes of children and it makes for a very enjoyable and educational read. For a historical wartime read, the whole idea for the book is unique and original and I love the concept. At school, both Jack and Emmie are struggling to properly imagine what life would have been like during World War 2 so what better way to understand it than to experience it for themselves.
Finding themselves in 1940’s London the children are surrounded by a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar. London is being bombed, people seek shelter in air-raid shelters, food is rationed and every day is a battle to survive. The story-telling is peppered with historical facts and Blackwell’s well-researched and accurate descriptions immerse readers into wartime London, it is easy to imagine what it would have been like which is exactly what children need unless they plan on sneaking a ride on the Blitz Bus.
In their search to get back home, Emmie and Jack meet two young polish children, Jan and Stan, who have travelled to England via the Kindertransport system in the hope of finding safe refuge from the German army. Jan and Stan's personal stories add another welcome historical element to the narrative and as the friendship develops between the children from the past and the present, emotional conversations shed light on the experiences of wartime refugees and the struggles and challenges they faced at being in an unfamiliar country and far from home. I really enjoyed this aspect of the narrative as these are important stories that need to be heard.
The Blitz Bus is a very accessible read that I raced through in a very enjoyable morning. I would highly recommend to children in upper key stage two, it would be an excellent book to read when studying World War 2.
With huge thanks to Glen Blackwell and Zoetrope for my copy of this brilliant wartime read.
Recommended for 9+.
January 24, 2026
Brilliant story about children who time travel from the future back to the past to world war 2.
December 24, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. A great perspective of the effects of WW2 on a variety of different people.
August 28, 2021
Okay, so, I feel like I'm not the right audience for this book because I couldn't truly enjoy it.
This is a historical fiction for children, about a couple of kids who accidentally traveled back to World War II situation in London. Throughout the book we followed their adventure trying to go back to the future while making some new friends too. I think children will like this book because its simple yet interesting. The friendships between the characters was pretty heartwarming, tho.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC!
This is a historical fiction for children, about a couple of kids who accidentally traveled back to World War II situation in London. Throughout the book we followed their adventure trying to go back to the future while making some new friends too. I think children will like this book because its simple yet interesting. The friendships between the characters was pretty heartwarming, tho.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC!
September 5, 2021
First off, thank you @netgalley and @gblackwellbooks for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this lovely book! The book is due to be published in two days time, September 07, 2021.
This is my first book ever in the time travel genre, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it even though it is aimed for younger readers. I found myself engrossed in the historical elements of it, I am not particularly learned about World War history, so this simplified version really tweaked my interest, I might even seek out other books set during those times.
The writing style is simple but engaging with the right hint of poignancy and excitement. I couldnt help feeling a deep sense of anxiety for the children; for Jack and Emmie stuck in the past and for Jan who fled home because of war. Every time Jan mentions lugging his gas-mask around everywhere, I felt a jolt of emotion I cannot explain. The sheer terror or trying to hold on to normalcy in the middle of a war torn world is something I cannot imagine. This book will surely help readers empathize with the countless refugees and refugee children scattered all over the globe, who are trying to claim a little place for themselves in a world where they constantly labeled as strangers.
I would definitely recommend this book to children and adults alike. It's a fun, thrilling ride through time, scattered with relevant historical facts that could teach us a thing or two about kindness and tolerance.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7...
Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/booksnher/
This is my first book ever in the time travel genre, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it even though it is aimed for younger readers. I found myself engrossed in the historical elements of it, I am not particularly learned about World War history, so this simplified version really tweaked my interest, I might even seek out other books set during those times.
The writing style is simple but engaging with the right hint of poignancy and excitement. I couldnt help feeling a deep sense of anxiety for the children; for Jack and Emmie stuck in the past and for Jan who fled home because of war. Every time Jan mentions lugging his gas-mask around everywhere, I felt a jolt of emotion I cannot explain. The sheer terror or trying to hold on to normalcy in the middle of a war torn world is something I cannot imagine. This book will surely help readers empathize with the countless refugees and refugee children scattered all over the globe, who are trying to claim a little place for themselves in a world where they constantly labeled as strangers.
I would definitely recommend this book to children and adults alike. It's a fun, thrilling ride through time, scattered with relevant historical facts that could teach us a thing or two about kindness and tolerance.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7...
Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/booksnher/
September 1, 2021
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in return for a honest review.
As from the synopsis, its a time travel book where two students find themselves in the war-torn London.
The storyline is fabulous with vivid description of war time London. The helpful people and the doubting civilians.
I like how the writer has written it from the children's perspective. The story did not have a dull moment. The characters were very well defined, you can actually feel the subtle difference between kids these days and the previous era. The author has shown this difference through the kids mannerism.
Its a knowledgeable read for kids who are learning about the 1940's London and people.
I honestly think this would make a great movie.
I read this book with my 10 year old girls and they found it entertaining.
Thanks for this awesome read!
As from the synopsis, its a time travel book where two students find themselves in the war-torn London.
The storyline is fabulous with vivid description of war time London. The helpful people and the doubting civilians.
I like how the writer has written it from the children's perspective. The story did not have a dull moment. The characters were very well defined, you can actually feel the subtle difference between kids these days and the previous era. The author has shown this difference through the kids mannerism.
Its a knowledgeable read for kids who are learning about the 1940's London and people.
I honestly think this would make a great movie.
I read this book with my 10 year old girls and they found it entertaining.
Thanks for this awesome read!
September 7, 2021
Thank you to the author, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book combines London in WWII and time travel - which sounds an unlikely pairing, but it's so well done that middle grade children will find this a great read. Starting from the present day, and jumping back into London in 1940, the book has well-researched descriptions and brings in aspects that will appeal to children, making history real to them, while at the same time injecting a sombre note into what were terribly difficult times. I loved the way the author used the characters Jan and Stan to introduce the Kindertransport and show how important giving others safe refuge is. Highly recommend!
This book combines London in WWII and time travel - which sounds an unlikely pairing, but it's so well done that middle grade children will find this a great read. Starting from the present day, and jumping back into London in 1940, the book has well-researched descriptions and brings in aspects that will appeal to children, making history real to them, while at the same time injecting a sombre note into what were terribly difficult times. I loved the way the author used the characters Jan and Stan to introduce the Kindertransport and show how important giving others safe refuge is. Highly recommend!
July 29, 2021
What a fabulous little find this was! If you're old enough to remember the Nicholas Lyndhurst time travelling show Goodnight Sweetheart, then you're in for a treat with this one.
"𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙢 𝙨𝙚𝙩!"
Very well written & researched, with accurate descriptions of the sights & sounds in blitzed London. Aimed at the younger generation, but would be a delight for any age interested in England's history.
"𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙢 𝙄?"
When Jack and Emmie suddenly find themselves transported back to London in 1940, they find a world both familiar, yet very different.
Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
"𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙢 𝙨𝙚𝙩!"
Very well written & researched, with accurate descriptions of the sights & sounds in blitzed London. Aimed at the younger generation, but would be a delight for any age interested in England's history.
"𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙢 𝙄?"
When Jack and Emmie suddenly find themselves transported back to London in 1940, they find a world both familiar, yet very different.
Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
August 28, 2021
With thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an early copy in return for an honest review.
This book represents why I like historical fiction so much. These stories bring historical events to life in a way that a textbook simply can't, and make it relatable. As you travel back in time with Jack and Emmie, students can begin to learn about the air raids of World War 2, the Kindertransport, and the impact World War 2 had on London/England. I think this book could also be a good launch pad for a STEM lesson as kids could learn more about building radios.
If you have readers who have enjoyed Magic Treehouse books, this is another great option for them as they get a bit older.
This book represents why I like historical fiction so much. These stories bring historical events to life in a way that a textbook simply can't, and make it relatable. As you travel back in time with Jack and Emmie, students can begin to learn about the air raids of World War 2, the Kindertransport, and the impact World War 2 had on London/England. I think this book could also be a good launch pad for a STEM lesson as kids could learn more about building radios.
If you have readers who have enjoyed Magic Treehouse books, this is another great option for them as they get a bit older.
September 7, 2021
An enjoyable time travel story set in London in the present day and the 1940’s.
Accurate historical detail and an exciting plot involving evacuees, spies, police chases, air-raids and bomb-shelters. Simply written, it would appeal to readers aged 9-12. I could certainly see myself using this in class as part of a unit on “Life during WW2”.
Accurate historical detail and an exciting plot involving evacuees, spies, police chases, air-raids and bomb-shelters. Simply written, it would appeal to readers aged 9-12. I could certainly see myself using this in class as part of a unit on “Life during WW2”.
October 4, 2021
A good story via NetGalley for older children about two twelve year olds who are taking the bus home from school when they are sent back to 1940. They had been studying 1940 in school at the time. They meet two boys from Poland who were sent to England to keep them safe. How to get home is on their mind as they make it by day to day with the bombings and lack of food availability.
September 20, 2021
An enjoyable read, aimed at 9-13 year olds, I would say. It’s based around the London Blitz in WW2 abs whilst being enjoyable time travel fiction it’s also educational for that age group, inviting the reader to understand what the Blitz meant for Londoners.
Lovely book cover too, very inviting.
Lovely book cover too, very inviting.
July 14, 2022
I love time travel novels. The cognitive dissonance caused by the future and the past overlapping has intrigued me since I read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle as a child. Accordingly, I was excited to read Glen Blackwell’s time travel book, The Blitz Bus, about two modern day children who find themselves in 1940 London.
I also was intrigued because my mother spent half of her childhood living through WWII, including being evacuated from the east end of London. Her stories of seeing the horror of the Blitz, of making friends with a little girl from the Kindertransport,* of sheltering from the bombs in the Underground stations, and of holding her little brother’s hand as they were forced onto a train going to an unknown evacuation destination, were an integral part of my childhood.
The Blitz Bus was an exceptional read that paralleled some of the stories of my mother’s childhood with whimsey, science, magic, and sweetness thrown into the mix. Emma and Jack, two 21st century children from East London, take their usual bus home but end up in 1940 in Bethnal Green during the Blitz. Having just studied the war in school, they knew “when” they were but they had to learn where to shelter and how to find food. All the while trying to get home to their own time. As they struggle to survive, including sheltering in the not yet finished Bethnal Green Underground Station, they make two dear friends, both of whom are lonely, Jewish children rescued from Poland via the Kindertransport.
This is an important book for children and their parents to read; it not only provides lessons in history, it also is a sweet book that mixes a little science and magic with that history.
In return for an honest review, I was provided an advance review copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley.
*The author provides this note at the end of the book:
“The Kindertransport (which is German for ‘children’s transport’) was a rescue mission which took place over 9 months, starting in December 1938. The purpose was to help children in countries threatened by or under German occupation get to safety in the lead up to the Second World War. In the end, the United Kingdom took in nearly 10,000 children from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland and the Free City of Danzig (a city state between Germany and Poland which existed between 1920 and 1939). Most of the children rescued were Jewish and, sadly, many of them were the only members of their families to survive the Holocaust.”
I also was intrigued because my mother spent half of her childhood living through WWII, including being evacuated from the east end of London. Her stories of seeing the horror of the Blitz, of making friends with a little girl from the Kindertransport,* of sheltering from the bombs in the Underground stations, and of holding her little brother’s hand as they were forced onto a train going to an unknown evacuation destination, were an integral part of my childhood.
The Blitz Bus was an exceptional read that paralleled some of the stories of my mother’s childhood with whimsey, science, magic, and sweetness thrown into the mix. Emma and Jack, two 21st century children from East London, take their usual bus home but end up in 1940 in Bethnal Green during the Blitz. Having just studied the war in school, they knew “when” they were but they had to learn where to shelter and how to find food. All the while trying to get home to their own time. As they struggle to survive, including sheltering in the not yet finished Bethnal Green Underground Station, they make two dear friends, both of whom are lonely, Jewish children rescued from Poland via the Kindertransport.
This is an important book for children and their parents to read; it not only provides lessons in history, it also is a sweet book that mixes a little science and magic with that history.
In return for an honest review, I was provided an advance review copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley.
*The author provides this note at the end of the book:
“The Kindertransport (which is German for ‘children’s transport’) was a rescue mission which took place over 9 months, starting in December 1938. The purpose was to help children in countries threatened by or under German occupation get to safety in the lead up to the Second World War. In the end, the United Kingdom took in nearly 10,000 children from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland and the Free City of Danzig (a city state between Germany and Poland which existed between 1920 and 1939). Most of the children rescued were Jewish and, sadly, many of them were the only members of their families to survive the Holocaust.”
December 27, 2021
The Blitz Bus is a delightfully quick read targeted at middle graders that takes us into 1940 and gives us a glimpse into England during the Second World War. Even though I am outside the actual target audience, I enjoyed this book and the adventure that Jack and Emmie find themselves on. While learning about the Second World War at school, Jack finds it difficult to picture the events and life of the people in his mind. Through this book, the author brings to us some of the historical facts in a way that would be easy to visualize for children.
Imagine reading about children your age who travel back in time and experience something that they are studying about. The whole idea is unimaginable, but is enough to keep children hooked. I like how the author stuck to a few specific facts and brought to us a view of the world through the eyes of children. Jan and Stan's stories were well portrayed and it really brings home the hardships of the time.
Through the book, children can learn about the situation in England, how people lived, the night raids, bunkers and even the food situation. The book is both educative and enjoyable and I think will be a wonderful adventure for all children to go on along with the main characters! I definitely recommend this book for middle graders and for anyone who loves a good historical fiction adventure mixed with time travel!
Imagine reading about children your age who travel back in time and experience something that they are studying about. The whole idea is unimaginable, but is enough to keep children hooked. I like how the author stuck to a few specific facts and brought to us a view of the world through the eyes of children. Jan and Stan's stories were well portrayed and it really brings home the hardships of the time.
Through the book, children can learn about the situation in England, how people lived, the night raids, bunkers and even the food situation. The book is both educative and enjoyable and I think will be a wonderful adventure for all children to go on along with the main characters! I definitely recommend this book for middle graders and for anyone who loves a good historical fiction adventure mixed with time travel!
September 30, 2021
If I could have taken my class back in time when I was teaching history to Key Stage 2 children, how useful it would have been! Jack and Emmie are learning about the Second World War and their teachers expect them to have empathy for the children who were alive in 1940. On the way home from school on a double decker bus driving through east London they spot a mannequin in a shop window with a gas mask. When they leave the bus, everything is slightly different. Stumbling into Bethnal Green Underground station with crowds of others they believe a film is being made, but the bombs are real and they can’t find their way home to their families.
This is an exciting story which would be great as a class reader or as an adventurous read by fluent readers. Most of the first chapter is unnecessary and could put off some from continuing with the story, but once Jack and Emma meet Jan, a likeable Polish refugee, and start to investigate a mysterious figure they think might be a spy the adventure gains momentum. Will they solve the mystery without being arrested by the police, can they ever get home to present day London?
An authentic picture of events during the Blitz shown through the eyes of young people who explore the city observing the devastation. I enjoyed reading this story and I am sure many middle grade children would find it a worthwhile read.
This is an exciting story which would be great as a class reader or as an adventurous read by fluent readers. Most of the first chapter is unnecessary and could put off some from continuing with the story, but once Jack and Emma meet Jan, a likeable Polish refugee, and start to investigate a mysterious figure they think might be a spy the adventure gains momentum. Will they solve the mystery without being arrested by the police, can they ever get home to present day London?
An authentic picture of events during the Blitz shown through the eyes of young people who explore the city observing the devastation. I enjoyed reading this story and I am sure many middle grade children would find it a worthwhile read.
March 30, 2022
After being assigned to write about how it may have felt to be in the Blitz during WWII, Jack and his friend Emmie accidentally end up back in time during the Blitz! They meet a Polish refugee and another kid who appears suspicious. Could he be a spy?
The Blitz Bus is a fun romp that is great for introducing younger readers to the Blitz in a child appropriate way. It goes through a lot of great details, really letting the reader understand what is was like and also talks about the Kindertranpsort, which is often lesser known. The story wraps up very quickly, which is not likely to bother younger readers. There are some references or words that may take a while for an American student to get used to. I would happily add it to an intermediate classroom.
Thank you to Glen Blackwell and NetGalley for providing a free arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Blitz Bus is a fun romp that is great for introducing younger readers to the Blitz in a child appropriate way. It goes through a lot of great details, really letting the reader understand what is was like and also talks about the Kindertranpsort, which is often lesser known. The story wraps up very quickly, which is not likely to bother younger readers. There are some references or words that may take a while for an American student to get used to. I would happily add it to an intermediate classroom.
Thank you to Glen Blackwell and NetGalley for providing a free arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2021
What better way for kids to learn what it was really like to experience a challenging period in history than to transport them to that time? (okay, I realize that this would be a horrible idea for certain times or for us to do it en masse)
Emmie and Jack get to experience what the WWII blitz was like firsthand. From scurrying to find an underground shelter, to kids being shipped out from other countries for their safety to live with strangers and still be in a different sort of danger, to finding food when most ingredients are rationed and more, these two learn about it and live it.
Well done!
Emmie and Jack get to experience what the WWII blitz was like firsthand. From scurrying to find an underground shelter, to kids being shipped out from other countries for their safety to live with strangers and still be in a different sort of danger, to finding food when most ingredients are rationed and more, these two learn about it and live it.
Well done!
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