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The Skylarks’ War

Book Synopsis

Winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award 2018.

The Skylarks’ War is a beautiful story following the loves and losses of a family growing up against the harsh backdrop of World War One, from the award-winning Hilary McKay.

Clarry and her older brother Peter live for their summers in Cornwall, staying with their grandparents and running free with their charismatic cousin, Rupert. But normal life resumes each September – boarding school for Peter and Rupert, and a boring life for Clarry at home with her absent father, as the shadow of a terrible war looms ever closer.

When Rupert goes off to fight at the front, Clarry feels their skylark summers are finally slipping away from them. Can their family survive this fearful war?

Our Review Panel says...

Nominated for Favourite Books of 2018 by: Erin Foote (@erinlynhamilton), Reading Advocate The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay is a lovely story set in the midst of the First World War. We know how harrowing this war was and how tough it was on the men sent to the front lines but also for those at home. Clarry is a wonderful girl who has boundless hope. She shows true determination throughout the story of her, her brother Peter and her cousin Rupert. I was laughing in places with the stories from Rupert and had tears streaming down my face in others. Such a beautiful story of love and hope in the face of adversity. The author captures some intense moments of battle, fear and agony in such a way to make it understandable for children reading the book. I was captivated throughout the whole book. I loved the characters, the storyline and the ending!

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