Letters from the Lighthouse: ‘THE QUEEN OF HISTORICAL FICTION’ Guardian: 1

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War and hate has the ability to divide communities but Letters from the Lighthouse shows how much can be achieved when people work together. We weren't even meant to be outside, not in a blackout, and definitely not when German bombs had been falling on London all month like pennies from a jar. Adult characters initially treat a downed German pilot in a threatening manner, including spitting at him. The descriptive passages are completely unlaboured, but take the reader to the time and place with ease and believability.

Letters from the Lighthouse - Kingshill Church School Letters from the Lighthouse - Kingshill Church School

She made me feel bad for Olive, but not only for her, for all people and families that suffered throughout WWII. A coded note links the disappearance of their sister Sukie to Devon, and Olive is determined to unravel the mystery. Your children will be challenged to find synonyms of words used in the story, identify verbs and adverbs, look up definitions and provide explanations to terms and phrases.

This asymmetric character structure gives the story room to delve into the deep-rooted prejudices often faced by refugees, as seen through the eyes of open-minded children. Olive is a brave heroine and there's a good twist towards the end that even the most wily readers won't see coming.

Letters from the Lighthouse CS6 - authorfy Letters from the Lighthouse CS6 - authorfy

When I had read this book, it made me want to read lots more like it because it made you feel as if you were one of the characters. Without being preachy, the story also encompasses the themes of empathy, tolerance and kindness; such important messages in our current world. Yet again, she has excelled in bringing to life thoroughly believable characters, capturing an authentic voice for her narrator and weaving an exciting plot which captivates you from the earliest pages. I would definitely recommend this for UKS2 to really get to the heart of some really challenging and emotive issues. The book begins with a young girl, Molly, and her family being evacuated from their London home during World War II.This resource accompanies the video clip above and it introduces your class to the largest Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, located in southern Poland.

Lighthouse Display Lettering (teacher made) - Twinkl Lighthouse Display Lettering (teacher made) - Twinkl

I had no idea the difficulties Jews faced trying to enter our country at such a time and wish that our laws would have done more to help.

The novel explores themes of courage, resilience, and friendship, as well as the lasting impact of war on ordinary people’s lives.