ABOUT THE BOOK
It’s 1940 and Nazi bombs are raining down on London, but 13-year-old bike messenger Jack has just discovered something unbelievable: a stray dog with a surprising talent.
Jack navigates the smoky, ash-covered streets of London amid air raid sirens and falling bombs, dodging shrapnel and listening for cries for help, as a bike messenger for fire crews. When Jack finds a dog, miraculously still alive after the latest Nazi bombing of London, he realizes there’s something extra special about the shaggy pup—he can smell people who are trapped under debris.
With his new canine companion, nicknamed Rip because of the dog’s torn ear, maybe Jack can do more than just relay messages back-and-forth—he can actually save lives. And if Jack’s friend Paula is right about the impending Nazi invasion, he and Rip will need to do all they can to help Jewish families like hers.
There’s just one problem: Jack has to convince his ill-tempered father to let him keep Rip.
Based on true episodes during the London Blitz in World War II, this action-packed and touching story explores the beginnings of search-and-rescue dogs and the bravery and resourcefulness of young people determined to do their part for their country.
BUY LINKS
READ AN EXCERPT
GIVEAWAY
The author will be awarding a print copy of the book to three randomly drawn winners (US only).Â
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Miriam Halahmy is a poet, special needs educator, and novelist. She has worked with refugees in schools as well as in workshops she led for PEN and the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture. Her books include Behind Closed Doors and Hidden, which was nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
Thanks for hosting!
Many thanks for this great post for my novel – on our virtual launch day!
September 7th will be the 80th anniversary of the start of the London Blitz when London was bombed for 57 consecutive nights. Jack and Rip would have been very busy!
We are happy to host you!
I can’t imagine living through the London Blitz. I’ve always admired the strength of the Brits.
It was certainly a challenging time. My mum refused to go down in the shelter when the air raid siren sounded because it was so damp and horrible. She stayed in her warm bed upstairs!! Fortunately they were not in a high risk area of London…
YIKES! That is one brave mum you have!
My mom was born in 1940 and lived in the boondocks of Colorado, USA. No worries of shelling from the Nazi’s whatsoever. We here in the States forget all too often how lucky we were during those dark times.
This book is memorable, captivating and wonderful. A profound story which is important to learn about and remember. Thank you for this amazing treasure which would be enjoyed greatly.