WWII Comes to Life

The  Blitz Next Door

By Cathy Forde

Age Range: 8 - 11 years

Grade Level: 3 - 6

Series: Kelpies

Paperback: 208 pages

Publisher: Floris Books; 2nd Revised ed. edition (August 15, 2015)

ISBN-10: 1782502033

ISBN-13: 978-1782502036

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Pete has never even heard of Clydebank in Scotland, but when his dad finally finds a new job, Pete finds himself leaving his home in London overnight. There are advantages to his new life, including a massive new bedroom and his first-ever garden, complete with a real-life bomb shelter. He’d even be okay with the sound of the girl next door crying all the time, except that there is no house next door... Pete makes two new friends: Dunny, who knows all about World War II, and Beth, the girl next door who somehow seems to come from that time. He slowly realizes that Beth has returned from the 1940s for a reason. However, does Pete have the courage to step into the past to solve a mystery more than seventy years old? Critically acclaimed children’s author Cathy Forde presents a vivid adventure story based on the events of the Clydebank Blitz of 1941.

 

My Thoughts:

My mother lived through the Blitz in London, so stories about the Blitz appeal to me. This story is based on real events, and its historical rooting is realistic.

 

Pete’s fears about moving ring true, and I love how the friendship between him and Dunny develops. Pete’s baby sister does nothing but cry, and their mother is worn out. (Having had a colicky baby, I can relate.) The resolution to that problem is interesting and, within the parameters of the story, believable.

 

Descriptions are good, as is the supporting cast. There is an element of time travel to this that is intriguing, although left unexplained.

 

The most difficult part of this story is the Scottish slang that is used. I’m reasonably well-versed in British slang, but some of the Scottish terms were beyond me. That being said, I could understand the gist through the context of the sentences. (Gee, I sound like an English teacher, don’t I?)

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

If you like your stories firmly rooted in reality, the time travel aspect of this book is not for you. There are some scary events as the night of the Clydebank Blitz is both described to and experienced by Pete. Injuries occur to a couple of characters, and they are described fairly vividly.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

History fans, especially those who like WWII. People who like time travel stories and stories of friendship. Definitely suitable for the recommended age range, although they may need help with the slang, as mentioned above.

Thank you, Net Galley, for the ARC.