When The War Came Home

Lesley Parr's debut novel, The Valley of Lost Secrets, was Waterstones Children's Book of the Month in January 2021 and published to rave reviewsHistorical middle-grade fiction is booming! This is perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Michael MorpurgoA rich mystery that will keep readers hooked until the very last page. Boys and girls alike will love this adventureLesley writes the most authentic, flawed yet relatable characters. This is the kind of fiction that is timeless, with relationships and characters that speak to every readerLesley is a primary school teacher from a Welsh working-class background, and she is passionate about seeing more working-class voices in fiction for children. This has been written from the heartWWI continues to be a strong topic in schools. This will sit alongside classics like War HorseLesley Parr grew up in South Wales and now lives in England with her husband. She shares her time between writing stories, teaching at a primary school and tutoring adults. Apart from books, rugby union is her favourite thing in the world, especially if Wales are winning. Lesley graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University's MA in Writing for Young People. @WelshDragonParr www.lesleyparr.com_______________ A STIRRING HISTORICAL MYSTERY SET IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR, FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS The First World War has ended, but it hasn't gone away. When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war. Huw can't forget the terrible things he's seen, but Johnny doesn't even remember who he is. As Natty tries to keep a secret and unravel a mystery, she finds her own way to fight for what she believes in - and learns that some things should never be forgotten . This mesmerising historical mystery includes an interactive clue so readers can unravel the mystery alongside the characters. _______________ 'A heartfelt, hopeful tale of the human spirit's incredible ability to recover' - Emma CarrollA mesmerising historical mystery set in the aftermath of World War One, from the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. Perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Michael Morpurgo.A heartfelt, hopeful tale of the human spirit's incredible ability to recoverAn assured, thoughtful historical novel with a richly evoked post-war Welsh settingThis wonderful second novel firmly establishes Lesley as one of our finest writers of historical fiction. We should talk about her in the same way we talk about Hilary McKay, Emma Carroll & Tom Palmer ... I hope it reaches the wide audience that it truly deservesA gentle story about the effects of war and standing up for what you believe in, When the War Came Home's hopeful and resilient story is sure to resonate with readers no matter the age... a light-hearted yet deeply emotional readIf you're looking for something to look forward to in the first month of 2022, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this novel to children and adults alike. It's another wonderful history lesson in a book with all the power and emotion we need to really unlock the pastThis is highly atmospheric historical fiction, combining authentic detail with themes of class and social justice that still resonate todayWith echoes of Carrie's War and Goodnight Mister Tom, Parr brings her own fresh voice to what already feels like a wartime classic. This story is quietly brutal and brilliantly heartfelt. I absolutely ADORED it. - Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the LighthouseBeautifully told ... This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded - Children's Book of the Week, The Sunday TimesAtmospheric, direct and gripping, with a superbly assured narrative voice, this book is woven through with powerful themes: grief, belonging and making peace with the past. - Guardian