Margery Gill

Living just outside of London during World War II, Derek and his friends view the ongoing war as a grand adventure. They spend their days exploring fresh bomb craters, collecting pieces of shrapnel, and trying to identify the fighter planes roaring overhead. When a bomb hits dangerously close to their school and classes are cancelled, the boys are overjoyed to have a free day to build their secret camp in the woods. But their carefree fun is shattered when a tough neighboring gang sabotages their hard work. Seeking vengeance, Derek and his friends engage in a violent clash with their rivals. However, the petty feud is quickly overshadowed by a long, terrifying night of close range bombing. As the true horror of the air raids becomes impossible to ignore, Derek's feelings about the war change forever. This memorable and sensitive story captures a young boy's gradual awakening to the harsh, frightening realities of the adult world.