There is an immediacy about Tom Palmer’s writing that causes the reader to become emotionally involved in stories that are centred on times and people from many years ago. His well researched historical fiction titles published by Barrington Stoke also have the attraction of being accessible for more readers, in particular those youngsters who may not consider themselves natural bookworms. His back catalogue includes award winners and favourites that have earned him a reputation as a ‘go to author’ for teachers. Tom’s latest book If The Invader Comes is the first in a new trilogy and having read it I now cannot wait for the next two in the series.

Set in Cornwall in 1940 and 1941 If The Invader Comes explores the impact of the Second World War on those living in a rural area not often examined in children’s wartime historical fiction. Inspired by real events and real places the story provides an insight into the effect of the hostilities on a community centred on its coastal location. It is early June 1940 and the country is reeling from the defeat at Dunkirk and readying themselves for an invasion by the Nazis. Against this backdrop three children whose parents are secretly involved in the work to defeat the enemy are brought together as allies themselves. Bobble, the daughter of a gardener on the local estate, her best friend Cadan, son of a local fisherman and Cilla, new to the local school and daughter of the landowner, team up to support their parents. The children each have their own personal worries to deal with, Bobble’s father is suffering from PTSD following his experiences in the First World War, Cadan has an obligation to care for his dad’s fishing boat, Iris, and Cilla’s American mother was killed in an aviation accident when Cilla was very young. The war has also encouraged the locals to become suspicious of others, particularly those who may appear ‘different’ in any way and the children have to deal with unkind accusations made by fellow classmates about their parents.

As Bobble, Cadan and Cilla become further involved they have to confront the harsh realities of war. The three youngsters find reserves of courage that they were hitherto unaware of and develop a greater understanding of the difficulties each of them are facing. As the story moves through the year and into the next the reader joins the children as they play their part, rescuing refugees at sea and undertaking night time river patrols looking out for German E-Boats. As danger mounts the three young allies are tested to the limit by events.

This is a compelling read. The well rounded characters, the vivid local landscape and the harsh realities of life on the Home Front are conveyed with a clarity that ensures the reader feels part of the story from the opening pages onwards. There is a sense of living life alongside these people for a short time. It is a wonderful way to bring history to life for children. Real life and real life experiences involving courage and resilience have a longer lasting impact on a reader than dates or national events and If The Invader Comes educates and entertains in equal measure. Tom Palmer includes the real horror of war in this story, with death of local people and enemy forces included. However this is done with an understanding of humanity on both sides and the funeral service for a German pilot is sensitively depicted. The author’s note mentions the school children he worked with when writing the book and this preparation is reflected in the respect he shows for his readers.

I have enjoyed all of Tom Palmer’s historical fiction for Barrington Stoke and would be hard pressed to choose a favourite but this is definitely a contender. The next two books in the Allies trilogy will follow these impressive young people throughout the remaining war years. I am looking forward to seeing how they develop.

If The Invader Comes is published on 7th May. There are two maps included at the start of the story by James Innerdale and the striking cover is by Paul Blow. I should like to thank Barrington Stoke and Poppy McLean for my review copy.

There are some excellent resources linked to the book on the comprehensive website created by Tom and his wife Rebecca which you can find here.