Shrapnel Boys

About this book

When their mum gets a new boyfriend, the swaggering, smooth-talking Johnny Simmons, Ronnie has a bad feeling about him. 

Ronnie recognises a bad ’un, like his dad, who was kicked out by their mum two years before. But Ronnie’s younger brother Micky loves the attention – and the new bike! – and soon he’s doing ‘little jobs’ for Johnny all over London. 

Then war against Germany is declared, and London is bombed, but Ronnie knows that the real battle is against Johnny and his homegrown brand of fascism. Can Ronnie and his best friend Lugs save Micky from the clutches of a dangerous, traitorous criminal gang?  

This brilliant novel is a thrilling adventure in war-torn London, but also explores tough and still relevant themes. As the kids lark about looking for shrapnel, they are forced to consider what is wrong and what is right. They reconsider who they thought was on their side, and who isn’t. 

Ronnie can see that Micky is longing for a father figure, and hates that he himself isn’t enough as a male role model. Lugs and Ronnie stick by each other – and by Micky – no matter what, as exemplary examples of male friendship. Compelling and moving, with peril galore. 

About the author