War
Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/10/2009 - 9:48am
William, one of many children evacuated from London during the WWII bombings, finds a refuge in the country. Abused, frightened, and withdrawn as a result of his mother’s treatment, William responds to the patience and kindness of Mr. Tom, blossoming into a healthy boy, friendly boy with artistic talent.
For the most part, the story paints an encouraging picture of how a child responds positively to his nurturing surroundings. It also gives historical information about the war in terms of child evacuations. Be warned that William shows signs of physical and emotional abuse. William is reunited briefly with his abusive mother, and his disturbing living conditions are described in detail.
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Best Audience:
Boys & Girls ages 10-14
Parts that might raise objections:
child abuse (including disturbing descriptions), death of William’s baby sister as a result of abuse, death of William’s best friend in WWII bombings, brief, basic view of sex in terms of reproduction (and the fact that William’s mom has a baby out of wedlock).
Ideas you will want to discuss:
WWII, child evacuations, abuse, friendship, death 
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