Blitz

by David Orme

Blitz is set in World War Two, when Martin is evacuated to Winchester. However, he hates it there, and manages to find his way back home to London. But home isn't where it used to be - a bomb has exploded in his street, leaving him homeless. He decides to return to the country, but truly unexpected events start to unfold before he manages to reach his destination. Blitz is part of the Sharp Shades 2.0 series. These books offer the same type of fast-paced short stories (just 64pp each) found in the Shades 2.0 series. The Sharp Shades stories include simpler language, a larger font and are illustrated throughout. They are perfect for older readers who may find longer books too daunting, but who still want the excitement of a great story told with pace and style. Blitz is ideal for reluctant readers aged 12+ with a reading ages of 9 - 10. Published by Ransom Publishing.

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Dean Cowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting offering from prolific YA novelist, David Orme. The narrator is 12 year old Martin, a reluctant evacuee, who runs away from the elderly, kindly couple he is billeted with in order to find what is left of his family devastated by the Blitz.

The style of writing reminds me, somewhat, of some of my students who read little, and when they do they only read action and adventure stories. Most of their writing consists of a first-person narrative with 14 and 15-year-olds embarking on impossibly adult adventures, catching villains, and foiling terrorists.

Orme captures this mood expertly for this type of readership, maintaining interesting details of wartorn London, illustrated by contemporary photographs. Recommended but slightly strange.