Title: Zinc

Written by: Sue Klauber

Cover design and Illustration by: Anna Morrison

Published by: Troika Books

Sue Klauber’s debut middle-grade historical novel is children’s historical fiction at its best. Based on the heroic actions and experiences of Sue’s father, uncle and aunt we follow three siblings, George, John and Eva through some of WWII’s most significant events that helped to turn the tide of the war. It is full of excellently executed dramatic scenes that will keep young readers turning the pages.

Written from the points of view of the two brothers George and John, Sue skilfully portrays the effects the Nazi invasion of Hungary had on the Jewish population during the 1940’s and how they were called to arms. We learn how George was selected to parachute into Slovakia for Operation Zinc and how John became a code breaker at Bletchley park. I was drawn in by the logistics of their missions and the consequent contributions both brothers made to the war effort.

Throughout the book there are a series of flashbacks to their childhood. These flashbacks are quite poignant in displaying how the brothers’ relationship has grown and changed. They highlight how the brothers are very different but family is important to them both. There are no chapters from Eva’s point of view. Everything we learn about her, we discover from her brothers’ flashbacks and information they have gleaned.

Zinc would be ideal as a class text to support a KS2 project on WWII. It provides an insightful reflection of what life was like for the Jews during WWII, which could be used to trigger discussions on the events and inspire empathy.

I look forward to discovering more about George, John and Eva in the sequel, Cobalt, which is due for release later this year.

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To read my interview with Sue Klauber about the writing of Zinc take a look at: Special Guest Q & A with Sue Klauber

You can follow Sue on Instagram @Sueklauber and X @sue_klauber

Sue is available for author events in a variety of contexts, such as schools, libraries and community groups. Find out more, including contact details to discuss an event, in this flyer: Zinc by Sue Klauber: author events.

You can buy copies of Zinc by Sue Klauber from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.