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by Kate Saunders
In this incredible, heart-wrenching story reminiscent of E. Nesbit's Five Children and It, Kate Saunders illustrates the power of war but the even greater power of family, and the love that carries us out of the darkness of despair into the light of hope.
The sand fairy, also known as the Psammead, is merely a creature from stories Lamb and Edith have heard their older brothers and sisters tell ... until he suddenly reappears. Lamb and Edith are pleased to have something to take their minds off the war, but this time the Psammead's magic might have a serious purpose.
Before their adventure ends, all will be changed, and the Lamb and Edith will have seen the Great War from every possible viewpoint—that of factory workers, soldiers and sailors, and nurses. But most of all, the war's impact will be felt by those left behind, at the very heart of their family.
Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal
"Starred Review. [Saunders] doesn't shy from the tragedies of WWI, but handles them with a tender sadness, eschewing any hints of sentimentality or melodrama." - Publisher's Weekly
"Strong portrayals of individual characters bring life and warmth to the story. With the four oldest siblings now actively engaged in the war effort, an entirely happy ending would have been unrealistic, but the novel offers a satisfying conclusion and a rewarding experience." - Booklist
"A dramatic, heartrending look at World War I's far-reaching consequences for families and individuals. This book will appeal to both historical fiction and fantasy fans." - School Library Journal
"Readers familiar with the classic will probably be dissatisfied with this vision of it; readers unfamiliar with it will be mystified. Historical fantasy. Ages 8-12." - Kirkus Reviews
"Saunders strikes a surprisingly successful balance between the mischievous magic of the sand fairy and the harsh realities of wartime England." - The Bulletin
This information about Five Children on the Western Front was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kate Saunders has written lots of books for adults and children. These include Beswitched, Magicalamity, The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop and The Curse of the Chocolate Phoenix. She lives in London.
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