The welcome given to refugees from fascist Europe is part of our fond nostalgia for Britain’s role in the Second World War, nestling in our imagination next to images of evacuees clutching teddy bears, and milkmen picking their way through bomb rubble during the Blitz. But there is a darker side to this story. Then, as now, there was great suspicion, resentment and fear towards new arrivals, much of it kindled by the tabloid press. Then, as now, politicians dealt with a reluctance to accommodate refugees by hiding behind bureaucratic hurdles and obfuscation. Many of the 10,000 Kindertransport children who arrived here in the late 1930s have warm memories of the kindness they were shown, but half a million refugees were refused entry and most of them died as a result. And those who were accepted found their troubles far from over. While Britain fearfully awaited invasion in 1940, 30,000 Jews were interned as ‘enemy aliens’ and some were sent off to the colonies on dangerous and sometimes fatal voyages. Nor were Jews the only refugees clamouring for the thin gruel of public sympathy. Those fleeing fascism and civil war elsewhere in Europe found that whether they were met with kindness or hostility depended on the locals’ political affiliations and newspapers of choice. Interweaving personal testimonies with historical sources, Paul Dowswell casts a fresh eye on the wartime era, painting a vivid picture of what life was really like for Britain’s refugees.

Thrilling historical adventure set during the English peasants' revolt of 1381, by Paul Dowswell, the author of Auslander, and Wolf Children. It's 1381 and the king, Richard II, has imposed a new tax on the people. In the village of Aylesford, Tilda and her ploughman father were already struggling to make ends meet. As serfs they have no rights to move freely or earn wages for their work. Tilda is desperate for a better life than the village can offer, so when the villagers begin to rebel she is swept up in the excitement. Tilda and her father travel to London with the others to petition the king, but the peaceful rebellion they hoped for soon ignites into violence, mayhem and treachery. Tilda's fight for a better life is only just beginning... This page-turning adventure sheds new light on a period of history which is covered in the KS3 curriculum, and will have readers gripped from start to finish.

How does a whale breathe? How does a snake see in the dark? Why do zebras have stripes? This fascinating book has all the answers and more. Simple, easy-to-read text, detailed illustrations and extrordinary wildlife photography introduce children to the wonders of the animal kingdom. Links to exciting recommended websites make this a fantastic resource for use at home or school.

An accessible and thought-provoking introduction to the First World War and the Second World War, stunningly illustrated with dramatic contemporary photographs, paintings, posters and maps. This beautifully presented hardback book tells the story of both conflicts, from the trenches of the First World War to the battles and Blitz of World War Two. Please note this title is a combined volume containing Introduction to the First World War and Introduction to the Second World War.

A bright, lively introduction to space with simple text, amazing photographs and detailed illustrations. Provides simple explanations to questions such as "What are stars made of?" "Why does the Moon shine?" and "What do space toilets look like?" Includes free downloadable pictures and internet links to carefully selected fun websites.

A write-in activity book to help children plan, plot and write their own adventure stories. Each colourful page is full of inspiring ideas for writing thrilling adventure stories about explorers, spies, daring rescues, ghosts, aliens, heroes and villains and lots more. Fun activities such as creating a character and "what happens next?" help children to create characters, develop plot and stage all important action scenes, until they are racing through their own short stories.

When Peter's parents are killed, he is sent to an orphanage in Warsaw. Then German soldiers take him away to be measured and assessed. They decide that Peter is racially valuable. He is Volksdeutscher: of German blood. With his blond hair, blue eyes, and acceptably proportioned head, he looks just like the boy on the Hitler-Jugend poster. Someone important will want to adopt Peter. They do. Professor Kaltenbach is very pleased to welcome such a fine Aryan specimen to his household. People will be envious. But Peter is not quite the specimen they think. He is forming his own ideas about what he is seeing, what he is told. Peter doesn't want to be a Nazi, and so he is going to take a very dangerous risk. The most dangerous risk he could possibly choose to take in Berlin in 1942.

ONE IN FIVE NEVER RETURNED. Every boy dreams of flying, but in war that dream can turn into a nightmare. Harry Friedman is the gunner of the Macey May, an American Flying Fortress stationed in East Anglia. The Second World War is raging and the Nazis have swept over Europe. The crews of every Flying Fortress face terrible odds on their bombing missions. To make it through alive, Harry will need luck on his side and courage ... Courage to keep going when he has watched close friends die. Courage to confront a terrible evil. And the courage to make it home from deep behind enemy lines. Nail-biting tension and compelling storytelling combine with Dowswell's meticulous research to deliver a page-turner for fans of John Boyne, Morris Gleitzman and Marcus Zusak.

Sam is desperate to leave his sleepy Norfolk village and see the world. He seizes the chance to join a merchant ship, but soon discovers that a life at sea is harsh and often short, especially when his ship is attacked by a French privateer. About to be boarded, they fear all is lost, but the privateers are driven off by the appearance of a Royal Navy ship. Sam's relief is short-lived. Soon after, another Navy ship sends over a press gang, and he is forced to join the frigate Miranda. War with France and Spain is raging and Sam is caught in the middle with a dangerous job as a powder monkey in the company of a brutal crew. This is an amazingly well-researched adventure giving a glimpse of one boy's incredible life at sea.

Discover the weird and wonderful world of witches and warlocks down the centuries - the facts, the myths, the folk tales and the horrifying truths. This title features over 300 colour photographs and illustrations that include medieval drawings, step-by-step instructions, maps, and cross-section of a wizard's workshop. It provides lots of magical things to make and do with 12 step-by-step projects - including making masks and costumes, carving a Halloween pumpkin, and making charms and spell-bags. It offers fact-boxes and accessible information for home reference and school projects. This is a stimulating and enjoyable reference and activity book for 8- to 12 year-olds at home and school. Seek out the practice of magic around the world and through the ages, from the spirit-worship of ancient civilizations to the spells and potions of modern-day witches. To help you find out more about this magical world, there are 12 step-by-step projects to make learning fun and challenging. Fact-boxes and accessible information make this the perfect introduction to the subject: the book is ideal for home reference and school projects. Over 300 photographs and historic illustrations include medieval drawings, astrological symbols, step-by-step instructions, fine art paintings, maps, and cut-aways of the amazing inside view of the wizard's workshop.

Discover amazing true survival stories of people stranded alone in the wildest places on Earth, and learn simple and useful survival techniques in this fascinating information book. With dramatic photographs, detailed diagrams and cartoon-strip stories, plus links to exciting websites with video clips and more information.