"A triumph." --Philip Pullman, bestselling author of the His Dark
Materials saga Four young lives are forever changed at the dawn of World
War II in this "stirring and unforgettable" (Kirkus Reviews, starred
review) novel from award-winning author Hilary McKay.In England, Ruby
has no friends because of the speckled blotches on her face that kids
say look like dirt. And Kate is sickly all the time, her older siblings
each taking turns looking after her. Ruby and Kate's first meeting is
nearly disastrous, but the two lonely girls soon strike up a friendship.
Their connection becomes all the more important when England joins the
war against Germany and the blitz begins overhead. In Germany, Erik and
Hans are best friends filled with plans for their future: Erik taking
over their beloved local zoo, and Hans serving pastries right outside
the gates. They never expected to be forced to join the national
service, training as pilots and tasked with hurting people. And in
London a mistreated dog roams the streets looking for handouts, and for
a friend. All of these lives will cross in the most surprising ways in
this heartrending tale of war and compassion, and hope that can be found
in even the most unexpected friendships, brought to life by
award-winning author Hilary McKay.