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Description
A terrorist bomb shatters their world, and suddenly Sarah and Phil find themselves divided. Phil is a pacifist, so when Sarah decided to join the Army Cadet orientation course, Phil is stunned. Meanwhile, always near, waiting to bomb again, is Cal.
Quick Summary
Theresa Breslin's "Death or Glory Boys" is one of those books that really makes you think about what you'd do if your family was torn apart by tragedy. The story centers on two British siblings who react in completely opposite ways after a terrorist bombing one retreats into pacifism while the other is drawn toward military service, and watching their relationship strain under those different paths is both heartbreaking and compelling. There's genuine tension throughout, especially with a character named Cal hovering in the background as a constant threat, and the pacing keeps you turning pages even though the subject matter is heavy. If you've ever read Malorie Blackman's work, where tough real-world issues collide with teenage relationships, this has that same kind of weight and urgency. Teens who enjoy war stories, political thrillers, or books that explore family loyalty under pressure will find a lot to connect with here, though parents should know it doesn't sidestep terrorism and military themes. At around 35,000 words, it moves fast enough to hold even readers who might normally avoid weighty topics, making it a solid choice for book clubs or classroom discussions.