Description
Jack, standing among the war graves, sees a face he recognizes. Suddenly, it's 1914 again and he's a young lad back in the trenches. Visions of killing and misery come to him with horrible clarity. But then Jack remembers too the incredible moment when the guns fell silent for a short time, and fighting gave way to football on the frozen ground of No-Man's-Land. This amazing story, based on true facts from the First World War, will transport readers back to the war fields of France and show that even in times of conflict and extreme sadness, there is always hope.
A new edition to commemorate the First World War centenary.
About the Author
James Riordan was born in Portsmouth in 1936 and grew up there during the war. After he left school he worked as a postman, a barman, a crate stacker, a railway clerk, and a double bass player before doing his National Service in the RAF, where he learnt Russian. After demobilization he gained degrees from Birmingham, London, and Moscow, then worked as a translator in Moscow. Back in England he lectured at Portsmouth Polytechnic and Birmingham and Bradford universities and from 1989 at Surrey University where he was Professor of Russian Studies. He wrote over thirty books and his first novel for children, Sweet Clarinet, won the NASEN Award and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Book Award. James Riordan died in 2012
Reviews
'This is a necessary, powerful, outspoken but ultimately healing book, something all young people born into more fortunate generations should read.' * The School Librarian *
'A moving story which fully captures the horrors of war. One of the best children's or teen books to tackle a difficult topic.' * The Bookbag *
This is a moving account of the reality of war and the terrible personal cost to a 17-year old recruit. * Pat Walsh, Historical Novel Review *
James Riordan was one of our most powerful writers of war stories... All secondary schools should take the opportunity to re-stock this important title. * Kathryn Tyson, The School Librarian Magazine *
This is compelling, revealing reading. * Caroline Franklin, Newbury Weekly News *
Beautifully written by an accomplished storyteller... * Paul Dowswell, Carousel: The Guide to Children's Books *
Book Information
ISBN 9780192735706
Author James Riordan
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 126g
Dimensions(mm) 199mm * 129mm * 12mm
A new edition to commemorate the First World War centenary.
About the Author
James Riordan was born in Portsmouth in 1936 and grew up there during the war. After he left school he worked as a postman, a barman, a crate stacker, a railway clerk, and a double bass player before doing his National Service in the RAF, where he learnt Russian. After demobilization he gained degrees from Birmingham, London, and Moscow, then worked as a translator in Moscow. Back in England he lectured at Portsmouth Polytechnic and Birmingham and Bradford universities and from 1989 at Surrey University where he was Professor of Russian Studies. He wrote over thirty books and his first novel for children, Sweet Clarinet, won the NASEN Award and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Book Award. James Riordan died in 2012
Reviews
'This is a necessary, powerful, outspoken but ultimately healing book, something all young people born into more fortunate generations should read.' * The School Librarian *
'A moving story which fully captures the horrors of war. One of the best children's or teen books to tackle a difficult topic.' * The Bookbag *
This is a moving account of the reality of war and the terrible personal cost to a 17-year old recruit. * Pat Walsh, Historical Novel Review *
James Riordan was one of our most powerful writers of war stories... All secondary schools should take the opportunity to re-stock this important title. * Kathryn Tyson, The School Librarian Magazine *
This is compelling, revealing reading. * Caroline Franklin, Newbury Weekly News *
Beautifully written by an accomplished storyteller... * Paul Dowswell, Carousel: The Guide to Children's Books *
Book Information
ISBN 9780192735706
Author James Riordan
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 126g
Dimensions(mm) 199mm * 129mm * 12mm
