SYNOPSIS
When you're running late for school, then you find your usual train has turned into an old steam train, you know it's not going to be a normal day. What you don't expect is that it will be a 'take you back in time' sort of day. Jess, Nadia, Tomma and Ash find themselves spending the day at Hickley School one hundred yeats in the past. They are told stories of bombings, hunger, and fighting from fellow pupil, Martha, the only person willing to speak to them. After their time travel adventure, they work out the significance of the year, 1918, and plot to go back. They want to experience a significant moment in history and Jess wants to see Martha again. Not knowing why or how, Jess feels a connection to Martha, and an obligation towards her that she can't explain. Going back in time has its risks. Once you go back, there's no way of knowing if you'll be able to make it home.
REVIEW
It is clear from the beginning what the author is trying to plan for the young audience, to introduce them to a part of history that is significant to all of us, even though we have now moved on from that time. That sometimes we all need a little perspective of what happened in order to have a better appreciation for the life we are currently living.
The concept of this book seems like a nice and compelling one, especially targeted to a young audience. I could see many a young child gleefully not only reading all the words off the page in anticipation, but also learn something which is a part of all our histories. Because we have all had that dream of being able to be a part of a major part in history, when we know what is to happen, due to living in the future from the event.
Even though this is a fairly short book, it can serve more as an introduction to a young child and their knowledge of the first world war. Although it is not the most perfect book, there are some positives, such as giving some background to how school was like, how people celebrated the end of the war, to helping people in need because it is the right thing to do. It may seem like because it is a short book not much ground could be covered, but this is not necessarily true for Time School.
However, I feel like despite the book highlighting some aspects of history and how these friends help those who need to be helped, it feels a little flat. There isn't much to do with conflict where instead it feels like a fairly easy journey of the plot going from point A to point B. Obviously this is still a children's book and it is not meant to be too complicated, but I think it would have been a little bit more engaging.
Ultimately, while I don't particularly feel like this is a great book, I don't think it is a really bad book either. I think maybe this book would be a no-brainer during this particular time when trying to get children to read, yet still learn and be entertained.
RATING: ** (TWO STARS)
BUY LINKS
Amazon: Time School (second edition): We Will Remember Them: Amazon.co.uk: Nikki Young: 9781916161764: Books
Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/3917/9781916161764
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