Publisher's Synopsis
It's 1943, and World War II is raging. To escape the terror of the Blitz, ten-year-old Wesley and fourteen-year-old Charles were evacuated from England to America. After a few near misses with German U-boats and a treacherous ocean crossing, the brothers arrived in Virginia. The culture shock is intense as the London boys adjust to rural farm life and have to learn new sports, customs, and spellings, plus contend with racial segregation and bullying.
As time goes by, the brothers begin to adapt to their new reality and blaze their own trails, writing letters home, making new friends, and pitching in to the American war effort. But just when Wes and Charles think they are safe from the terror of the battles raging thousands of miles across the sea, they encounter the very brand of soldiers they were trying to escape: Nazis, from a POW camp right around the corner and U-boats torpedoing American ships off the nearby Atlantic coastline. Suddenly, Charles, Wesley, and their new Virginian family must face the dangers of a foreign war coming too close to home.
Award-winning author L. M. Elliott brings a rarely told story of World War II on U.S. soil to light in this gripping and meticulously-researched novel, a companion to the beloved "Under a War-Torn Sky." Praise for Across a War-Tossed Sea"Likable protagonists and a fascinating historical backdrop combine for a story well-told." -Kirkus Reviews
"Serious issues of intolerance (religious freedom in Europe, racism in America, cruelty to German POWs) permeate the story without overwhelming it, making this a breezy and enlightening read. The occasional letters from the brothers to their father overseas are a nice touch, portraying an accurate kid's-eye-view of a terrible time in history."
-"Booklist "
"This historical novel would be a perfect fit for any collection seeking to engage readers in conversations around race, culture, and equality in America."
-School Library Journal
"Useful for a discussion on what life was like for the civilian population and especially the effect of war on young children and teens. . . ."
-VOYA
Praise for Under a War-Torn Sky
"An emotional, action-packed gem! Elliott paints a picture of war that we don't often see, one that is away from the battles, showing life and death in a war-ravaged land. An engrossing thrill-ride."
-KLIATT
"A powerful debut novel of adventure and salvation. Readers, young and old, will be moved by this fine book."
-Children's Literature
"It's packed with action, intrigue, and suspense, but this novel celebrates acts of kindness and heroism without glorifying war."
-Booklist
"Elliott's fluid style is woven together with vivid historical details from WWII, appropriate for adolescents who seek suspense-filled adventures."
-BookPage
