Three top WWII books for children, specially selected to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day
The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall
Seen through the eyes of teenager Chas, Westall’s wonderful adventure story about a gang of Tyneside kids who gets their hands on a German machine gun may sound preposterous but he actually based the tale on a real life incident that took place in Holland during WWII. The novel won the prestigious Carnegie medal back in 1975, but it’s as fresh and touching today despite the passage of time. Vividly imagined, the friendship and trust between Chas, his mates and stranded German rear-gunner Rudi makes a serious point about war and xenophobia and won’t be wasted on readers, young or old. This new VE Day commemorative edition also features a special bonus short story, The Haunting of Chas McGill. Macmillan, age: 11+
