Landman is a prize-winning author who writes about a wide range of topics in an accessible, engaging way for many different age groups. This book looks at the story of Alfie Wright – evacuated at the beginning of the war from an unhappy home life things can’t be any worse for Alfie - wherever he ends up being placed. Happily, gentle Auntie Bell, who runs a farm in rural Devon, is welcoming and caring. Her son is a giant of a man, a little intimidating, he is a taciturn though accepting presence. As Alfie settles amongst the cows and geese on the farm – and becomes accustomed to the work and the ways of his charges – he is the happiest he has ever been in his short life. The war seems a long way away.
Life gets even better when he makes friends with Snidge. But is Snidge exactly as he appears – or is he mysteriously connected to the Midwinter Burnings that usually take place in the standing stones? Auntie Bell says the burnings are a bit of superstition – but Snidge seems to be threatened by them. Can Alfie help him, or is his fate sealed?
This is a fascinating, engaging timeslip novel with a dual narrative that shows us life as an evacuee and through ancient history. The landscape is vividly described adding layers of interest to the tale. Excitement, fear, and horror make this a page turner that will keep readers engrossed to the very end.
A historical time-slip adventure for middle grade readers, from the Carnegie Medal-winning author of Apache and Buffalo Soldier.Alfie Wright? Alfie Wrong, more like. Alfie has never really fitted in anywhere - he doesn't have any friends, and even his mum seems embarrassed of him. So when he's evacuated to a farm in rural Devon run by kind old Aunt Bell and her gentle giant of a son, Alfie can't believe his luck. The War seems a long way off, and among the cows and pigs and geese Alfie's happier than he's ever been - especially when he makes friends with one of the local boys, Snidge. But Snidge, for all his friendliness, is not all he appears. And the mystery that surrounds him seems to be connected to the Midwinter Burning, an annual ritual held at the Standing Stones, high up on the cliffs. Aunt Bell says it's all just a bit of harmless superstition, but when Snidge goes missing, Alfie finally discovers who his friend really is - and relives the true horror of the legend...
