Thursday, May 18, 2017

Dangerous Skies by Brian James



Goodreads Summary

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. 



My Thoughts

Although this book is considered a Children's Fiction I found it to be extremely interesting for adults as well.  The concept of a book written about such a horrendous war time from the perspective of a child is such a wonderful idea.  So well written, for children and adults.

Reading about the war from a 10 year old child's perspective had my heart and stomach in knots.  Just the thought of children going to school and hearing names called out during roll call of children that weren't there because of injury or death from bombs... it's a hard thing to think about.  It is sad to think that during such rough times people then turn on each other and loot and vandalize as well.  The contrast between the normal childhood days and games and then the issues of war that had to become somewhat normal to them at times was gut wrenching.

Dangerous Skies is definitely a book to read.  Being that it is a children's book, the war isn't described in gory or graphic details but you are still educated on the subject.  Children of ALL ages will enjoy reading about Alan and his friends.

*Note:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


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