Five Children On the Western Front

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

The five children from the classic children's book, Five Children and It, return in author Kate Sander's revisioning of the Pemberton family and their magical sand fairy, Psammead. This time there is a new edition to the family with a little sister Edith, the Psammead has lost some of his magical powers, and the time and place is England during World War II. This book explores the love and loyalty of family, as well as the devastation that war brings to all facets of normal life. It also brings the hope that all magical thinking can bring during times of trouble. The story definitely blurs the line between historical fiction and fantasy, which may be difficult for some readers. The story might also appeal more to those fans of the original story by E. Nesbit who would enjoy revisiting beloved characters. The characters themselves bring a strong sense of family, bravery, feminism, and loyalty to the story during an important time in world history.

Overall Book Score: very good