Author & Illustrators
A compelling historical novel set in 1945.
Salt to the Sea follows a small group of refugees who are desperately fleeing the Russian army. As they make a dangerous journey across the country, their destination is a German evacuation ship, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective as the group strives to flee to safety.
Based on meticulous research into the real-life maritime disaster, Ruta Sepetys weaves a masterfully crafted narrative that is both beautiful and sad. Told as a multiple perspective narrative, this story explores topics of survival and unity during the final months of the Second World War, as well as wider themes of refugee experiences, learning to trust others and the power of finding hope and human connection in difficult times.
A powerful thriller based on real events and winner of the Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Medal for Writing 2023.
This heartbreaking thriller would be for more mature readers in KS3 and KS4. Cristian has lived his entire life in the grip of a repressive dictatorship. The country is governed by fear. When the secret police blackmail him, Cristian has an impossible choice. Save the life of his sick grandfather by informing on his family, or risk his life – and all of theirs – by resisting? At 17, Cristian dreams of being free but doesn’t know who to trust. In this dangerous climate of constant suspicion, can he questions who he can trust.
Closely based on the real events of the Romanian Revolution of 1989, this is a powerful, heart-breaking thriller from the author of Salt to the Sea, winner of the Carnegie Medal.
A wonderful story of mystery and adventure, which also sheds light on the incredible achievements of the World War Two codebreakers based out of Bletchley Park – a historically important story, which is rarely told in children’s literature.
The story is based around 14-year-old Lizzie Novis, who is on a mission to discover what happened to her mother Willa, whom Lizzie has been told died during a Nazi attack on Poland. But Lizzie is suspicious, and she pledges to uncover the truth. Her journey begins with her successfully plotting an escape from her guardian, who is supposed to be taking her to America to stay with her Gran. Lizzie tries to enlist the help of her brother Jakob, but he is an unwilling accomplice preoccupied with his own secret mission – Jakob has been recruited to Bletchley Park, a world in which Lizzie suddenly finds herself.
The protagonist Lizzie is a high-spirited, passionate, stubborn character who speaks her mind – her antics are brave, endearing and often amusing. Going on this journey with quick-thinking, smart, and surprising Lizzie was an adventure from start to finish. A great adventure story, with historical importance for ages 10-14.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
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Curriculum links (if relevant)
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