*Shortlisted

Review by Bea, King Edward’s School, Witley 
I really enjoyed the book. The four main characters were very different from each other, but they all wanted the same thing, not to be evacuated. Despite everything, they became friends. I think that it was interesting that Fred who wanted to be a fireman kept getting rejected from every fire station, but he doesn't stop searching for one that will take him and I think that Fred showed a lot of resilience. Overall, I think the book showed how important firemen were during the Blitz. It showed how tough it was for children, and everyone really, but the book mostly focused on how it impacted children, and how important a friend is.  The four of them helped each other a lot, sharing what little they had. It was one of the best books I have ever read, and I would definitely recommend it. 

Review by Yusra, Riverside School 
I really enjoyed reading Under a Fire Night Sky because it gave a clear and detailed picture of what life was like for four teenagers living in London during World War II. The story follows Olive, Franklin, Lawrence, and Susan as they face many dangers like bombings, loss, and the challenges of growing up during such a difficult and terrifying time. Franklin’s strong wish to become a firefighter, even though he is underaged, shows how courage and ambitious young people can be, which I found inspiring. 

One of the best parts of the book is how it shows the importance of friendship and courage. The characters support each other through fear, sadness, and uncertainty, and this made their story feel very real and emotional. The book also helped me understand the hardships for people during the war, especially for kids who had to grow up quickly and take on responsibilities. 

Although some parts of the story felt a little unrealistic or convenient, it didn’t stop me from caring about the characters or wanting to keep reading. The book made me think a lot about bravery, loss, and how people can stand their ground even in the toughest situations. 

Overall, Under a Fire Night Sky is a moving book that helps readers learn about history through the eyes of young people. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about friendship, courage, and overcoming challenges. 

Review by Brodie, Attleborough Academy 
I really enjoyed Under a Fire Red Sky because it was very interesting and not what I was expecting at all. At first, I thought it would be quite predictable, but the story turned out to be much more thrilling and surprising than I imagined.  I found all of the characters very interesting, because they each had their own style and personality, which made the story feel more real. My favourite character was Franklin because I liked the way he was written and how he stood out from the others. I didn’t dislike any of the characters, as they all added something important to the story.    

One of the things I learned from the book was more about war and what it was like, which I found really interesting. It helped me understand the setting better and made the story feel more intense. The plot was very exciting, and there were lots of moments where I didn’t expect what was going to happen next. Even though I didn’t find one specific moment that was especially memorable, the overall story kept me engaged the whole way through. I would recommend this book to other students, but probably Year 8 and above, as some parts might be a bit more suited to older readers. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and would definitely suggest it to others looking for something different and interesting.