Billy's Blitz
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Andersen Press
Age 9+
Children's & Young Adult Fiction & True Stories Historical Fiction Adventure Stories
Winner of the Young Quills Prize for Historical Fiction.
When War breaks out, Billy’s dad joins the army and most of his friends are evacuated from Balham, South London. But Billy’s mum doesn’t believe the bombs will ever fall on them and she refuses to send him and his sister Rose away. Life in Balham has certainly changed for Billy: no school, no friends and, because of rationing, no treats.
But by September 1940, things are about to get a lot worse. Hitler has a plan for the destruction of London and soon Billy is caught up in the Blitz: an event so terrifying, it will take every ounce of courage for him to survive in war-torn Balham and keep his family together.
Creators
Barbara Mitchelhill was born in Rochdale and trained as a teacher. While she was teaching, she began writing for BBC children's TV and went on to write for educational publishers, before writing novels for children. She makes school visits all over the country, and enjoys appearing at literary festivals and talking to teachers and librarians, some as far away as the Caribbean. Her hobbies include reading, theatre, music, gardening and walking her border terrier, Ella. She lives in Staffordshire and has two grown-up daughters.
Reviews
A realistic portrait. Recommended.
BFK
Exciting, atmospheric… draws the reader in from the start. You live every scary moment with the characters.
Primary Times
Everyday life and the sheer terror of the Blitz are effectively conveyed in this informative and enjoyable novel.
School Library Journal
Every reader – young or old – will be rooting for a happy resolution that could bring this excellent story to a satisfying conclusion.
Carousel
Exciting, atmospheric… draws the reader in from the start. You live every scary moment with the characters.
Primary Times
