Young boys grapple with daily life in London during World War II in this historical novel by the Newbery Honorโwinning author of The Dark Is Rising.
The circumstances may sound extraordinary, but for Derek and his friends, who are living outside of London during World War II, air raids are a normal part of everyday lie. When a particularly violent raid closes their school for a few days, the boys are happy to use the time to complete the construction of their secret camp. But to their horror, their refuge is savagely attacked by a rival neighborhood gang. Derek and his friends carry out a daring plan to ambush the enemy gang, which leaves Derek feeling unsettled andโfor the first timeโfearful of the war around him. And then, after one night filled with bombing, the war changes his world forever.
Praise for Dawn of Fear
An ALA Notable Childrenโs Book
โRemarkable . . . A moving chronicle of despair and of courage.โ โPublishers Weekly
โAn uncommon kind of war story.โ โThe Horn Book
โWell-written . . . [Doesnโt] shy from realistic facts and emotions.โ โThe New York Times
โA cracking good read.โ โHistorical Novel Society
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