A moving story set in Mumbles in 1939 portraying the strength of true friendship as three friends befriend an evacuee at the outset of the Second World War and soon realise that they are all war victims as they experience bullying and family tragedies, rations and bombing raids; for readers aged 9-11 years. First published in 2005.

Stori deimladwy wedi ei gosod yn y Mwmbwls yn 1939 yn portreadu nerth gwir gyfeillgarwch wrth i dri ffrind gyfeillachu gydag ifaciwî ar gychwyn yr Ail Ryfel Byd gan sylweddoli fod pawb yn ddioddefwyr rhyfel wrth iddynt brofi bwlio a thrychinebau teuluol, dogni ac ymosodiadau gan fomiau; i ddarllenwyr 9-11 oed. Cyhoeddwyd gyntaf yn 2005.

Set in Swansea during the outbreak of the Second World War, this tale of Hannah and her friends, Helen, Peter and Jack, is a gripping and honest account of what life was really like, interwoven with several incidents that challenge the young teenagers.

There is Godfrey, the bully, who takes advantage of the black market to manipulate others, the mysterious German spy who seems to be sending messages to his fellow countrymen, and the plight of London-born Helen, who returns to the capital city and is confronted by personal danger of her own, to name just a few of the dilemmas the teenagers face.

Not only does the story portray everyday life just before and during the war years in a way that the history books cannot, but Hannah Goes to War is also an adventure story full of mysteries to solve and perils to avoid. The characters are well-drawn, realistic and likeable; the reader is sure to identify with any one of them.

Phil Carradice has succeeded in writing a gem of a story, which will satisfy readers of all ages. It is action-packed and exciting as well as poignant and sad. An excellent read, it will not disappoint.

Amanda James

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru