
Set in Belfast at the onset of World War II, this chapter book follows thirteen-year-old Jessie as she attends Alveara boarding school. Jessie finds herself caught between two significant anxieties: her increasing suspicion that her German teacher, Miss Müller, is a Nazi spy, and the deeply personal struggle of her father's escalating drinking problem. The narrative skillfully weaves historical tension with a poignant coming-of-age story, exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and resilience amidst global conflict and personal hardship. It's suitable for readers interested in historical fiction and character-driven mysteries.
At Alveara boarding school in Belfast at the start of World War II, thirteen-year-old Jessie must deal with her suspicions about a teacher whose father was German and with her worries about her own father's drinking problem.