November | 2021 | thebookactivist

A new novel by Emma Carroll is always hotly anticipated and The Week at World’s End has been no exception! Set in Britain in 1962, this middle-grade thriller tells the story of Stevie and her best friend Ray as they discover a girl on the run hiding in Stevie’s shed. Published by Faber, the story transports you to a time when the world was on the precipice of nuclear war…

The Week at World’s End by Emma Carroll

Nothing ever happens in World’s End Close, So when Stevie discovers a runaway girl in her coal shed, the first things she does is fetch her best friend, Ray. Both are dying for a bit of adventure, and when the girl begs for help, they readily agree. Yet soon they realise they’ve taken on more than they bargained for. The girl, Anna, reveals she’s on the run from people who are trying to poison her. Meanwhile on the news, the Americans and the Russians are arguing over missiles in Cuba. As the threat of war grows, Anna’s behaviour becomes more mysterious. And when Stevie unearths a dark family secret, she wonders if Anna has come to World’s End Close on purpose, with a special message for her.

The Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War provides the unnerving backdrop for The Week at World’s End and Emma Carroll weaves an enthralling tale, capturing the feel of the time, alongside the mystery that unfolds over the seven-day Crisis period. Stevie and Ray definitely find their adventure – and definitely more than they bargained for – when they decide to help Anna! With engaging characters from very different family backgrounds and dealing with a variety of issues such as parental bereavement to racial prejudice, the themes are interwoven with an engaging plot centred on helping Anna, all whilst facing the threat of war. The fallout from the Second World War is still very real and the impact of this being felt, as we discover the truth about Stevie’s father and how he died.

The Week at World’s End is a really clever story, with so much to think about, and shines a light on the importance of the truth in every situation and knowing when to speak out. A great book to encourage children to think about how they can use their voice to help in our own tumultuous political times.

Find out more at www.faber.co.uk. With thanks to Faber for sending me this book to review.

Expect the unexpected with this beautifully illustrated and moving tale by award-winning author-illustrator, Pam Smy. The Hideaway, published by Pavilion, highlights the torment felt by a child watching his mother suffer at the hands of an abusive step-father, but also celebrates the power of love, remembrance and family bonds.

The Hideaway by Pam Smy

One rain-lashed autumn night, Billy can’t stand the fighting any longer. He packs a bag and slips ghost-like into the dark. His hiding place is a cold and gloomy graveyard and soon something mysterious and magical starts to happen….

Atmospheric and compelling, The Hideaway is a middle-grade story that will make you feel to you core. Domestic violence in family situations is all too real, and this dual narrative story is told from Billy’s perspective, as he finally reaches the end of his rope and runs away; and Billy’s mother, as she realises the cause of Billy’s disappearance and the police are called. I can’t even begin to imagine the emotional turmoil for both Billy and his mother, which is expertly handled in the gentle but unwavering narrative.

Thankfully, even in the darkest of moments, life has a way of showing you something new. Billy is not alone in the graveyard and he meets an elderly man who is cleaning and tidying the graves for a very special, supernatural event. His kindness to Billy is just what is needed to restore some of Billy’s faith in people, as Billy joins in with clearing the graveyard. And Billy’s mother finds that there are people who can help in her hour of greatest need; she just has to ask.

As the story progresses, both Billy and his mother must confront their fears and make choices that will decide their future happiness. When the night arrives that the old man and Billy have been preparing the graves for, the narrative and illustrations transport you to a place of hope and wonder; of family and memory and most importantly, love, reminding Billy how loved he is by his mum and just how much he loves her.

The Hideaway is an important story beautifully told and illustrated, with challenging themes but full of hope. Highly recommended, I would not be surprised to see this on awards shortlists in the coming months.

Find out more at www.pavilionbooks.com. With thanks to Pavilion for sending me this book to review.