Under a Fire-Red Sky
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Usborne Publishing Ltd
Published:10th Apr '25
Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date
"Masterful story of Blitz Britain...a beautifully told coming-of-age story." The Telegraph, Children's Book of the Week
"An emotion-packed tale of survival, heartbreak and hope." Lancashire Evening Post
From the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Geraldine McCaughrean comes an utterly immersive and unforgettable novel set during the London Blitz, inspired by her firefighter father.
With the Second World War looming, four young people sit on a train waiting to be evacuated to a safer place...but they don't want to go. They climb out of the carriage and head back home to Greenwich, forming an unlikely friendship.
They spend their days trying to be useful. Laurence is building a secret machine. Gemmy searches bombed-out homes for things of value - only to find an adorable mutt she can't even give away. Franklin wants to join the Fire Service, although it means lying about his age. Olive looks after her father, who is broken by the deaths of his fellow firefighters. And together, the four roam the streets of London, discovering their resilience amongst the secrets of the city.
But as the Blitz unleashes a barrage of bombs on London, turning the sky ragged with flame, can the friends keep each other safe and survive?
Brutal, beautiful and wise. * The Times Children's Book of the Week *
Reading Under a Fire-Red Sky feels like diving into one of those black-and-white Pathé film reels and finding the world of the Blitz brought into flaming colour. * The Times Children's Book of the Week *
Masterful story of Blitz Britain...a beautifully told coming-of-age story. * The Telegraph, 5 Star review *
A powerful and moving celebration of young people and their courage. * The Bookseller *
Thrilling wartime tale. * The Telegraph, 5 Star review *
The highly accomplished and versatile Geraldine McCaughrean is on form in her latest novel, drawing on her father's experiences as a firefighter in the second World War. * The Irish Times *
Just when you think that there's no new stories about WW2 to read along comes a book like this which blows your mind... An incredible war story * Sarah Salmon, Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library *
Stark and realistic Blitz portrayal... Harrowing yet hopeful... fine writing that brings home the lessons of the past. * Katy Kelly, librarian *
This is a beautifully written story. It provides an honest and no holds barred account of the horrors of war, especially on the lives of civilians. The four main characters are well-defined and diverse and inspiring. There is a lot of raw emotion in this book. Highly recommended. * Goodreads review *
An important read. * Stuck in the Book Loop *
An emotional adventure that blends a coming-of-age tale with WWII historical fiction, reminiscent of The Famous Five. * School Reading List *
An emotion-packed tale of survival, heartbreak and hope. * Lancashire Post syndicated review *
McCaughrean writes with a directness that has considerable impact and this is a moving and compelling read. * A Library Lady *
[A] gripping wartime adventure * The Week Junior *
This powerful story puts a heroic record straight in a way readers are unlikely ever to forget. * Books for Keeps *
ISBN: 9781836040774
Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 17mm
Weight: 232g
288 pages