This is a family story set during the Second World War. The story of Lizzie and her younger brother Freddie is quite different from many of the stories we are all familiar with. Lizzie's mother has been killed when a bomb landed on the shop where she worked. Her father is refusing to fight in the war because he doesn't believe in fighting, nor does he want to leave his children. Eventually, the call-up papers arrive, his appeal is turned down, and the choice is to fight or go to jail. Mr Butterworth takes the third option - to go on the run, and he takes his children with him. The family move to an alternative community in Gloucestershire where they are made welcome, but they are unable to stay after local police become suspicious and have to move on again.
This is an exciting story as the family have several narrow escapes, they meet some amazing people. The book also gives a different picture of how life was for many people during World War Two, but also has much in common with books about evacuees and the constant anxiety suffered by families left behind when the men go to fight.
If you liked Carrie's War, or Goodnight Mr Tom, try this too.
