Under a Fire-Red Sky – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: historical, war, adventure, romance, friendship.
YA book title: Under a Fire-Red Sky.
YA author: Geraldine McCaughrean.
Genre: Historical fiction.
Published by: Usborne.
ISBN: 9781836040774
Recommended for children aged: 12+ year-olds.
First published: Paperback April 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: Children interested in WW2.
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Our review:
A group of unlikely friends – Olive, Lawrence, Franklin, and ‘The Gremlin’ – are brought together by a desire not to miss out on the adventure of the looming war. Initially, they are forced to fill their days exploring the city of London after their school is taken over by the fire service.
Soon, though, bombs begin to fall, and the Blitz has begun. Lawrence retreats to work on his ‘project’ – a bike-plane contraption he hopes will allow him to take to the skies. Olive battles a barrage of emotions: worries about her firefighter father, a growing crush, and increasing concern about the planes flying overhead. Franklin desperately tries to get hired by a fire station, determined to play his part. ‘The Gremlin’ is just trying to survive.
The initial excitement of no school and the freedom to explore is soon overshadowed by the harsh reality of air raid sirens, homelessness, and death.
Under a Fire-Red Sky is an emotional adventure that blends a coming-of-age tale with WWII historical fiction, reminiscent of The Famous Five. There is childhood romance, powerful friendship, and a very scruffy mutt. Under a Fire-Red Sky would appeal to fans of Tom Palmer and Michael Morpurgo’s war stories.
Many thanks to Usborne for the review copy.
Geraldine McCaughrean is also the author of Where The World Ends
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Browse our Year 8 book list.
