Shrapnel by Robert Swindells
Corgi Books 2009.(Ages 9+) A gripping wartime drama which restored my faith in Robert Swindells after it was severely tested by his previous novel, The Shade of Hettie Daynes!, Shrapnel has all the hallmarks of
Swindells at his
best; a fast moving story that pulsates with action, short and gripping
chapters, a believable setting and an exciting denouement.
Gordon's older brother Raymond is rather an enigma - when most lads his
age want to join the RAF and fight for king and country, Raymond
somehow avoids joining up and leaves home in mysterious circumstances.
Soon after Raymond's departure Gordon discovers a pistol hidden in his
older brother's bedroom. When he eventually tracks his brother down, he
discovers that Raymond is a secret agent doing highly dangerous war
work for the government. Thrilled and excited, Gordon finds himself
recruited to help in this essential work. Is he about to become a spy
and help defeat Hitler, or is Raymond not quite everything that he
claims to be?
Swindells brings the era of World War Two to life in this exciting
boy-friendly story. It may lack the impact of Once and The
Boy in the
Striped Pyjamas, but readers will learn plenty about daily life
during
World War Two including rationing, air-raids and schoolboy shrapnel
collections. A useful addition to upper junior class libraries and well
worth directing towards confident but reluctant readers.
Claire Larson