Ronnie's War

It is 1940, and Ronnie Warren is a street-smart 11-year-old living with his mum in south London while his father is away fighting with the army. Ronnie's story starts during the Blitz, when he climbs bravely through bomb rubble to rescue his mother and his aunt. Evacuated to Lancashire, he stands up to a sadistic teacher and embarks on a pre-teen romance. Back in London, his mum hears that her husband is missing, presumed killed. Ronnie believes she has fallen for a GI and makes a fool of himself - but patches things up. VE Day brings joy mixed with grief for Ronnie, knowing that his dad is dead - but a surprise telegram brings unbelievable news.


This captivating story by a master children's author vividly brings the WW2 Home Front to life. It vividly portrays Londoners' experience of the relentless bombing by German planes, the evacuation of children from the city to the countryside, attitudes to the America GIs when they arrived in England, and the feelings of relief when VE Day finally came.

Bernard Ashley is a former head teacher who is now writing full-time. He lives in South London where he was born. Bernard's impressive list of titles reflects 35 years of writing realistic fiction ? from picture books right up to teenage novels. Several of Bernard's books have been successfully televised and he has frequently appeared on prize lists ? his Little Soldier was short-listed for the Guardian Prize in 2000. In addition to his other activities Bernard Ashley also advises internationally on matters concerned with literacy. He is also a very popular visitor to schools.