Shirley Hughes, a beloved author, draws on her own teenage memories to craft a compelling historical novel set during the 1940 Liverpool Blitz. The story follows thirteen-year-old Joan as she grapples with the daily terror and shortages of wartime, impacting her friendships and leading her to uncover a significant mystery involving a stranger and a local mill. This book is ideal for middle-grade readers interested in World War II history, offering a poignant look at resilience, bravery, and the complexities of life during a global conflict. It provides a rich context for discussing historical events and the emotional impact of war.
Enduring the terror and shortages caused by the Blitz in 1940 Liverpool, thirteen-year-old Joan is unable to spend time with her friends in the face of intensifying bombing raids and makes a shattering discovery about a stranger and a local mill.