Reading Metrics
Description
In 1941 Devon, Bonnie wants to help in the war effort, so when the mysterious Mr Fisher is billeted at her family home, Bonnie's mission to uncover his secrets begins. Book contains violence, gender bias, political bias, and bullying.
Quick Summary
If you've got a kid who loves a good mystery mixed with history, this one's for them. Bonnie is a resourceful middle schooler in 1941 England who decides she's going to do her part for the war effort and when a secretive stranger gets billeted at her house, she can't resist trying to figure out what he's hiding. The story strikes a nice balance between the excitement of uncovering clues and the emotional weight of what families went through during WWII, though parents should know there's some bullying, a few tense moments, and themes around gender bias since Bonnie keeps running into people who think a girl can't possibly help win the war. It's got that satisfying feeling of a kid using her wits to make a real difference, which is super empowering for readers who might feel like they can't contribute to anything big themselves. Fans of historical fiction like "Number the Stars" or kids who enjoy solving puzzles alongside the main character will probably tear through this one pretty quickly.