The Skylarks' War
Hilary McKay
Subjects
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
- History Time - blasts from the past
Winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award. The Skylarks' War is a beautiful story following the loves and losses of a family growing up against the harsh backdrop of World War One, from the award-winning Hilary McKay. Clarry and her older brother Peter live for their summers in Cornwall, staying with their grandparents and running free with their charismatic cousin, Rupert. But normal life resumes each September – boarding school for Peter and Rupert, and a boring life for Clarry at home with her absent father, as the shadow of a terrible war looms ever closer. When Rupert goes off to fight at the front, Clarry feels their skylark summers are finally slipping away from them. Can their family survive this fearful war? 'This belongs among the classic of children’s literature . . . Funny, sad, warm, it is about growing up and finding what you love.' – The Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week
Reviews
An outstanding read. Every part of it was truly authentic for the time. The father made me cross and I wanted to shake some sense into him but there were men like that in those days (possibly now if they could get away with it). The positivity of Clarry was infectious. The general plot was somewhat predictable but well written. High quality storytelling kept me wanting to read on.
Kathode
A wonderful book set with the backdrop of war. I loved Clarry and her family, and felt saddened by their lives, admiration for their resilience and impending doom of what was to come. The effects of war and the impact on the lives of everyone stays with you long after reading
CalOS
I loved how this book wove fictional characters into a world that once existed. It cleverly describes the First World War in a sensitive way, and how it effected everybody's lives in one way or another. My favourite character is Rupert as he is such an interesting character. Everyone should read this book.
Claire
A great combination of a page-turning plot and a story told from different characters' perspectives. The book covers the childhood of a brother and sister, their cousin and close friends in the lead up to WWI and the aftermath. Different threads cover the way girls and women saw their roles change over the period, how the reality of war contrasted with young men's expectations and how families coped with grief. It's a fantastic read for Y7 plus. Wonderful, memorable book.
Lucyfrin
This is one of the best children’s books I have read. This is a story about family and immediately, you are swept up into the world of the characters and you care about what happens to them. I was sad to finish the book and was left wanting more.
Melarny13
Reminded me of I capture the castle in the style and characterisation. The build of the story is lovely and the characters stay with you after you close the book. Hilary Mackay is such a vivid writer.
Hillsbjorn
Brilliant family story unfolding through World WAR I
cat_westwood
Really enjoyed this book. Loved all of the characters and found the style delightfully nostalgic too.
Nicola Paulson
I chose to read this book because I had recently read The Swallows' Flight and was interested in finding out more of the back story to the characters shared there. I'm fairly obsessed with historical fiction, children's or adults', so this added to the list of ones I can recommend through experience to my pupils. The character of Rupert is the one that had me thinking the most, in particularly about the things seen that were never shared by the soldiers fighting across Europe. The courage of the female characters is also something to start a conversation in the classroom about the beginning of the changing role of women around that time.
Missa124
A fabulous read from start to finish, the war is the backdrop of a family brought together by ties and friendship. Please read.
Vickers
A lovely family story, a thrilling family adventure with true to life details of the impact of the First World War on family life. A reminder of childhood. adventures. A good read for children and adults.