It's 1945, and the world is in the grip of war. Hideki lives with his family on the island of Okinawa, near Japan. When the Second World War crashes onto his shores, Hideki is drafted to fight for the Japanese army. He is handed a grenade and a set of instructions: Don't come back until you've killed an American soldier. Ray, a young American Marine, has just landed on Okinawa. This is Ray's first-ever battle, and he doesn't know what to expect -- or if he'll make it out alive. All he knows that the enemy is everywhere. Hideki and Ray each fight their way across the island, surviving heart-pounding ambushes and dangerous traps. But then the two of them collide in the middle of the battle... And choices they make in that single instant will change everything. Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee, returns with this high-octane story of how fear and war tear us apart, but how hope and redemption tie us together. Reviews for Refugee: "An absolute must read for people of all ages" - Hannah Greendale, Goodreads "Like RJ Palacio's Wonder, this book should be mandatory reading..." - Skip, Goodreads "I liked how the book linked history with adventure, and combined to make a realistic storyline for all three characters" - AJH, aged 11, Toppsta

From Alan Gratz, the highly acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster Refugee, comes a thrilling new multi-perspective novel, this time centered around D-Day. D-Day, June 6, 1944: the most expansive military endeavor in history. No less than world cooperation would bring down Hitler and the Axis powers. And so people -- and kids -- across the globe lent their part. From the young US soldiers in the boats to spies in the French countryside, the coordination of thousands came together. Alan Gratz, author of the New York Times bestselling Refugee, explores the necessity of teamwork and heroism in dismantling tyranny in this epic, yet personal, look at D-Day in time for the 75th anniversary of the operation.

On May 19, 1942, during WWII, a U-boat in the Gulf of Mexico stalked its prey fifty miles from New Orleans. The submarine set its sights on the freighter Heredia. Most onboard were merchant seamen, but there were also civilians, including the Downs family: Ray and Ina and their two children. Fast asleep in their berths, the Downs family had no idea that two torpedoes were heading their way. When the ship exploded, chaos ensued - and each family member had to find their own path to survival. This inspiring historical narrative tells the story of the Downs family as they struggle against sharks, hypothermia, drowning, and dehydration in their effort to survive the aftermath of this deadly attack off the American coast. For fans of Refugee and Unbroken.

Dedicated to the 70th anniversary of World War II's D-Day this commemorative edition of Heroic Histories series is packed with information and activities to explore the past in a fun way Includes colourful and humorous illustrations that are age appropriate and quirky.

Ground Zero is a number one New York Times bestseller The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relents... A contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanity's survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. A must-have. - School Library Journal In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear - and the stunning links between the past and present. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. Can he survive - and escape? September 11, 2020, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Should she help Taz - and put herself and her family in mortal danger? Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same. Suitable for classroom reading With two action-packed perspectives, Gratz powerfully explores the ways in which the past shapes the present Don't miss Refugee, Grenade and Allies by Alan Gratz. REVIEWS With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad in Ground Zero..... Ground Zero will appeal to middle-grade readers, who were born after the events of 9/11, and to those adults who lived through it and will never forget. - Booklist Gratz moves back and forth between the two narratives in short, nail-biting chapters that create a vivid picture of each setting and make readers feel invested in each character's relationships and choices, and in the high-stakes global forces that affect the intimate details of their lives. -Horn Book Gratz's deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. - Kirkus This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. - Publishers Weekly

Take an in-depth look at the world of these ancient Roman warriors in this handy pocket-sized book bursting with giant facts. Discover how gladiators were recruited, the dramatic games held at the Colosseum, and how some gladiators became the stars of Rome!

This new adaptation of Dee Brown's multimillion-copy bestseller, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," is filled with photographs and maps to bring alive the tragic saga of Native Americans for middle-grade readers. Focusing on the Sioux nation as representative of the entire Native American story, this meticulously researched account allows the great chiefs and warriors to speak for themselves about what happened to the Sioux from 1860 to the Massacre of Wounded Knee in 1891. This dramatic story is essential reading for every student of U.S. history.

The first DRAGON REALM series reaches its epic finale with the fifth adventure for 9+ readers! Perfect for fans of epic conclusions. 'Packed full of fun, heart and imagination, it will make you wish you had your own dragon bond' - Anna James, author of the PAGES & CO. series All eyes are on Billy and his friends after the Dragon Realm collapses and is exposed to the Human Realm. In their search for a new home for the dragon population, they learn of the Hidden Realm, a secret so well guarded that only one dragon knows how to locate it . . . Glorious Old. But convincing her to trust them comes with its own problems, not to mention the introduction of an evil new baddie and their band of human-hating dragons. With trouble round every corner, what destiny is in store for Billy and the group? Praise for DRAGON MOUNTAIN: 'Splendidly addictive' - Guardian 'Rollicking, escapist storytelling with a dragon-sized heart' - Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of THE GIRL OF INK AND STARS 'A soaring, sizzling, fire-breathing gem of an adventure story' - Abi Elphinstone, bestselling author of SKY SONG 'A wonderful warm-hearted and action-packed adventure' - Katherine Woodfine, author of THE SINCLAIR'S MYSTERIES 'Brimming with warmth and originality, DRAGON MOUNTAIN combines edge-of-your-seat adventure, laugh-out-loud humour and hugely exciting dragons to create a sweeping fantasy that will captivate readers of all ages.' - Catherine Doyle, author of THE STORM KEEPER'S ISLAND 'DRAGON MOUNTAIN has all of my favourite things! A rich mythology and a tale of friendship, snarky dragons and daring deeds...this is the kind of breathless tale that leaves you hungry for the next instalment' - Roshani Chokshi, author of the ARU SHAH series 'DRAGON MOUNTAIN is a joy to read - adventurous and enchanting, with a heart of gold. It will make you re-live the moment you first looked at the sky and longed to see a dragon looking back' - Samantha Shannon, author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE and THE BONE SEASON series