Anna is a Jewish child sent from Germany to the UK on the Kindertransport just before war is declared. This is the story of her welcome into a simple farming family in Kent, and to the constant worry she feels for her parents back in Germany. Although she is welcomed to England, there are problems to overcome, antisemitism at school, jealousy at home and worry about how the war is going. Anna is an intelligent, resourceful girl who proves her bravery and gratitude by saving a VIP from an insidious spy ring operating nearby.
The level of detail about life in the countryside in the late 30’s into the 40’s is fascinating and will be an eye-opener for many children today. There is an exciting plot involving soldiers and spies which runs alongside, entwined within, the normal life of a 12-year-old girl trying to find her way in a society, which is completely different to anything she has known. A sense of danger runs through the whole novel, as well as the poignant plight of so many Jewish children at that time. A moving war time adventure.
As life for German Jews becomes increasingly perilous, Anna's parents put her on a train leaving for England. But the war follows her to Kent, and soon Anna finds herself caught up in web of betrayal and secrecy. How can she prove whose side she's on when she can't tell anyone the truth? But actions speak louder than words, and Anna has a dangerous plan...
A brilliant and moving wartime adventure from the author of Evie's Ghost. Cover illustration by Daniela Terrazzini.
“Timely themes of emigration and prejudice are woven into a cracking adventure story. Fans of Emma Caroll and Philippa Pearce will love this.” Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
Author
About Helen Peters
Helen Peters grew up on an old-fashioned farm in Sussex, surrounded by family, animals and mud. She spent most of her childhood reading stories and putting on plays in a tumbledown shed that she and her friends turned into a theatre. After university, she became an English and Drama teacher. Helen lives with her husband and children in London, and she can hardly believe that she now gets to call herself a writer.
Read more about Helen Peters on writing Anna at Warhere.
