Shrapnel Boys

Pearson's first foray into historical fiction is an enthralling, explosive read for 9+. * The Guardian *
Jenny Pearson puts her band of brave, spirited kids in the middle of their very own war. * Phil Earle, British Book Award-winning author *
Jenny Pearson must be the best children's author writing at the moment. SHRAPNEL BOYS is a pacy and compelling journey through the mess and fragility and love of what it means to be a human. All that, and she can make you laugh on every page. She's a genius. * Katya Balen, Carnegie Medal-winning author *
Full of whip-smart and emotive storytelling, brave characters & authentic voices, Jenny's first historical adventure is an absolute smash hit * Mel Taylor-Bessent *
Jenny Pearson's first venture into historical fiction is accomplished with seamless skill, and has all the relatable, warm storytelling we've come to expect. Rich in period detail, but never didactic, Shrapnel Boys is a triumph of a novel; one which deserves to join other classic World War II children's stories on our bookshelves. * Lesley Parr *
An expertly woven tale of brotherly bonds during a time of war. Despite its historical setting it feels current and timely! * Maisie Chan, award-winning author *
Pearson's writing is both accessible and richly layered... Shrapnel Boys is a gripping and heartfelt story that will resonate with young readers today. * Books for Keeps *
Shrapnel Boys skilfully combines an entertaining storyline and immediately likeable protagonists with historically accurate details, resulting in a gripping read. * The School Reading List *
Jenny Pearson wows us with her new tale of resilience and spirit as we follow brothers, Ronnie and Mickey, as they navigate a war that is close to home. * Maisie Chan, award-winning children's author *
An important and timely book. * Maisie Chan, award-winning children's author *
Led by authentic characters with the author's trademark spark, this is a funny, heartwarming story with an additional layer of dilemma and emotional depth. It will challenge readers to think about everyone's role in the Second World War and how it affected ordinary people in extraordinary ways. * Kate Heap, Scope for Imagination *
A truly outstanding book which manages to weave so many themes into its pages. It deals with issues around family, friendship, bravery and loss coupled with providing insight and historical facts about an important time in British history. * Books for Topics *
An astonishing story challenging the strength of the bonds of family and friendship when the world is raining down horror, hardship and harm ... a profound, powerful and courageous story that deserves to sit with other classic war stories. * Book Craic *
Edge-of-your-seat exciting. * Libby Allman, Plymouth Children's Book Group *
[A] first-class read that delivers thrills, laughs, and a tear at the end. It's a book about the strength of friendship and the difficulties of speaking out, especially when you're in a position of weakness. * Geek Dad *
Written with humour, delivering gut-wrenching life lessons, Ronnie's story is as relevant today as it was eighty years ago. Highly recommended, and not just for kids. * Historical Novel Society *
Page-turning prose means this 1939-set adventure is the ideal story to further children's learning whilst studying the second World War. * Imagining History *
Drama, tension, fear and loss intertwined... This is a compelling read. * A Library Lady *
The story captures both the excitement and the danger of the time, helping young readers imagine what it might have felt like to grow up in such uncertain times. * Teachwire *
This brilliant novel is a thrilling adventure in war-torn London, but also explores tough and still relevant themes... Compelling and moving, with peril galore. * BookTrust *
A captivating and emotional read. * Bonkers About Books *
A masterpiece - intricately woven, showing how difficult it is to do the right thing when the world is imploding around you. * Check 'Em Out Books *
It's a first-class read that delivers thrills, laughs, and a tear at the end. * Geek Dad *
An intelligent, gripping, Second World War story. * Armadillo *
A vivid adventure read that is vivid and exciting and full of the smoke and mayhem of the Blitz. Perfect for fans of When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle and I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery. * WRd About Books *