Dangerous Skies - Softcover

James, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 191046127X ISBN 13: 9781910461273

Publisher: Claret Press, 2016

Synopsis

This children's thriller, based on the author's own experiences in London, is about coming of age and the importance of family and friends during World War II.

It's the height of the Blitz. Night after night, waves of German bombers pound London streets, determined to bring the city to its knees.

As the air-raid sirens wail, Alan and his best mates, Tommy and Wilkie, skip school to play among the bombed-out homes of their neighbors. They are soon sucked into a gang of looters run by infamous Duggie, but the police are on their tail and catching up quickly. Even if they escape, they could still fall victim to the dangerous skies above them. 

This thrilling story, based on the author’s own experiences growing up during the Blitz, is an antidote to nostalgia. It shows the terrors of the Blitz and how war brings out both the best and the worst in adults and children alike.   

Appropriate for Keystage 2.

About this title

Review:

‘Evocative page-turner that captures all its chaos, noise and danger...’ Sunday Express

‘James deftly evokes life in wartime Britain. Nostalgia plays its part... but the everyday reality of death and destruction is also there, sudden and terrifying.’ Independent

‘Brian’s thrilling debut book Dangerous Skies follows a group of pals brought up amid the Second World War bomb sites.’ The Daily Star Sunday

‘Dangerous Skies is a beautifully-plotted novel with memorable characters and a riveting story but most of all it’s a wonderful evocation of those dreadful years of dogfights, blitz and fear of invasion.’ Dennis Hamley, author of The War and Freddy and Divided Loyalties 

‘I would recommend this book as an excellent resource for Year 5 and 6 children who are studying World War II. A great addition to any school library.’ Rachel Macleaod, Gorstybriggs Primary School

‘We read and watch a variety of subjects relating to the Second World War and this book sits up there with Friend orr Foe, The Ma-chine Gunner, Whistle in the Dark, Good Night Mr Tom and The Lion and the Unicorn. The book is a gritty, realistic tale of the first hand experiences of children during the Blitz. It's a great book with themes of friendship and loyalty which will appeal to children, both boys and girls from nine years and over.’ Mrs Jo Heap, Year 4 teacher at Bradway Junior School, Sheffield

About the Author:

Brian James worked for the BBC for over 20 years in both radio and television, producing documentary programmes, such as the South African episode of the highly acclaimed Great Railway Journeys of the World. As a freelance broadcaster he has worked for both ITV and the BBC and made an American award-winning video documentary for an animal rights campaigning organisation. His writing career began in radio with one-off short stories and a radio play directed by Alan Ayckbourn. This is his first children's novel.

About this edition

• Publisher: Claret Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 191046127X
• ISBN 13: 9781910461273
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 186