A good tale indeed.

As I was reading, I often found myself having to remind myself that it was just fiction whenever I came across elements in the story that seemed a bit unrealistic.

However, despite these minor quirks, I am quite certain that this book would hold great appeal for an older child who is starting to move on from the classic series like The Famous Five and others of that ilk.

The story has its own charm and manages to engage the reader's imagination.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read that kept me entertained from start to finish.

It has the potential to transport young readers into a world of adventure and mystery, making it a great choice for those looking for something a little different.

Whether they are fans of the genre or simply looking for a good book to pass the time, this one is definitely worth checking out.

I would highly recommend it to any child who loves a good adventure story.

Now read it five times and I still enjoy it!

'Where to now?' This simple yet profound question holds a world of possibilities. It makes us stop and think about our next destination, not just in a physical sense but also in our lives.

It could refer to a journey we are about to embark on, a new adventure waiting around the corner. Maybe it's a place we've always dreamed of visiting, a city filled with history and culture, or a natural wonder that will take our breath away.

But 'where to now?' can also be a question about our future. What path should we take? What goals should we set? It challenges us to look beyond the present and envision what lies ahead.

Whether it's a short-term decision or a long-term plan, answering this question requires us to consider our desires, our values, and our capabilities. It's a question that can lead us to new discoveries, new experiences, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

So, the next time you ask yourself 'where to now?', embrace the opportunity to explore, to grow, and to create a life that is full of meaning and purpose.

My book club selected this particular book, but unfortunately, it didn't quite resonate with me on a personal level.

I encountered several challenges while reading it. The language and slang used were rather hard to fathom, making it a bit of a struggle to fully understand the text.

The constant shifting of the point of view between different characters and storylines was, at times, quite confusing. It made it difficult for me to keep track of who was who and what was happening in each narrative strand.

Moreover, I found myself constantly wondering where the story was actually headed. There seemed to be a lack of a clear direction or overarching plot that could keep me engaged and interested.

Adding to my woes, there were numerous unnecessary characters introduced, which only served to clutter the story and make it even more difficult to follow.

And let's not forget the plethora of nicknames that were thrown around. Trying to remember who each nickname belonged to and how they related to the overall story was a real headache.

Given the current state of the world, reading this book was also a bit of a challenge. However, I must emphasize that this is in no way the fault of the author.

Overall, while I can appreciate that others may have enjoyed this book, it simply wasn't the right fit for me.

This is an extremely unique book that has the power to resonate with young adults and people of all ages alike.

It is set in wartime Britain during the Blitz, a period of great turmoil and danger. The story revolves around the themes of friendship and coming of age in the midst of very dark times.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for middle schoolers and their parents. It offers a valuable glimpse into a historical era and explores important emotions and relationships.

However, there is one caution. British slang is used extensively throughout the book. While most readers can figure out the meanings of the words through context, younger readers may require the use of a dictionary.

The ending of the book is particularly thought-provoking and can serve as a starting point for discussions between parents and educators on the topics of war and friendship. It encourages readers to reflect on the impact of war on individuals and the importance of maintaining strong bonds during difficult times.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, friendship, and the human spirit.

We had to read this book either in Year 8 or 9.

Back then, I held the opinion that the book was truly superb. I took great pleasure in reading it during class (except, of course, when I was called upon to actively participate and contribute).

Undoubtedly, it is a children's book, yet it never condescends to its readers. In fact, there is even a section at the back of the book where the author elaborates on the significance of not doing so. He defends the inclusion of swearing (as children do swear) and violence (as children can get violent).

Anyhow, I purchased it from Amazon Kindle at the relatively young age of 33. Alas, it is not as excellent as I recalled (oh, those rose-tinted glasses). Moreover, the book concludes rather abruptly. To be precise, the entire ending is neatly wrapped up within approximately 4 pages, which is indeed a pity.

Nevertheless, I rate it 4 stars. However, if I were 14 once more, it would probably receive a 5-star rating.

In a small coastal town in the Northeast of England, a group of school-aged children find themselves thrust into the midst of World War II, joining the fight against the Germans. Their adventure commences when Chas, the central character, stumbles upon a downed German plane with its machine gun miraculously intact. With the assistance of some friends, they manage to remove, transport, and hide this still-functional weapon.

The German air raids have been wreaking havoc, causing death and destruction. Undeterred, the band of youths is resolute in their determination to patrol the skies and fire upon enemy German bombers. However, this won't be a simple task. The police have realized that the machine gun is missing and are actively searching for it. The children must now evade suspicion from not only the police but also their schoolmaster and parents.

A surprise awaits them, presenting an interesting dilemma regarding the secrecy and integrity of their hidden gun emplacement. Will tragedy, glory, or something in between befall these intrepid youths? After all, having a fully operational German machine gun in the hands of six school children is a recipe for potential disaster.

The story is engaging, progressing at a brisk pace with ample action to keep the reader hooked. While this comes at the expense of some realism, it is a trade-off that is understood. Westall is more focused on telling a captivating yarn rather than providing a completely true-to-life account of the German blitz raids on England.

Drawing from his own life and experiences, Westall crafts compelling backstories and dialogues for his characters. He leaves the reader to infer certain psychological aspects and parent-child dynamics that drive and shape the behavior and actions of the characters. These subtleties may be overlooked by younger readers but add depth, texture, and a sense of reality for adults. We catch glimpses of the abuse and selfishness of Audrey's parents, as well as the sadness and fragility of Nikki. Overall, this book is both entertaining and well-written, suitable for enjoyment by both children and adults.

Is your enemy clearly defined?

Is your world conveniently black and white, with you firmly on the side of the good, engaged in a battle against the evil of an official state enemy, and where the citizens of that enemy are by definition devils?

During the Second World War, for some Northern English school children, this simplistic worldview was deeply shaken. They made the acquaintance of a German soldier who had survived a plane crash. As they hid this enemy from the adult world that imposed the rules they lived by, they were forced to redefine their understanding of good and evil not just once, but several times.

What truly happens when you come to know the devil you so fear?

This is a great novel for our times, prompting us to reflect on why building walls between people is the absolute worst way to protect ourselves from violence and hatred. Instead, building bridges is the path that leads us towards true humanity. It shows us that the world is not as simple as we may initially think, and that getting to know those we perceive as enemies can often challenge and change our most fundamental beliefs.

This is truly a great read.

The plot line, it has to be said, might be a bit of a stretch. However, what makes the story truly engaging are the kids within it.

These kids are highly motivated, with a natural talent that sets them apart. They possess a unique ability to run circles around their parents and other adults.

It's fascinating to see how they navigate through various situations, using their wits and skills to outsmart those around them.

Their determination and ingenuity make them the stars of the story, and it's a joy to follow their adventures.

Despite the somewhat far-fetched plot, the characters and their actions keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Overall, it's a book that offers entertainment and a fresh perspective on the capabilities of children.

A rather grittier account of life on the Home Front than 'William at War' and not just because the characters are Geordies!

There is death, destruction, and anxious, frightened adults. The story vividly描绘s the harsh reality of that time. I know it's meant for younger readers, but I, as an adult, found it a gripping read. The real sense of fear and confusion in the latter stages truly made me feel as if I was there, experiencing it all. The characters are so convincing that they seem to come alive on the page. And there is an interesting twist at the end that completely took me by surprise. Sadly, it was published too late for me to have read it as a boy. However, I'm extremely glad I've read it now. It has given me a new perspective on the Home Front during the war and has made me appreciate the sacrifices and hardships that people endured. It's a wonderful book that I would highly recommend to both young and old alike.

I studied this book back in Year 9 and hadn't read it again since. So, I thought it would be a great idea to return to it. My memory, which is as terrible as it is, vaguely recalled that it was about kids and a machine gun they found. Therefore, it was good to go back to it without a clear idea of what was going to happen.

The book is set in the North East of England, near to where I grew up. So, it was really nice to read about places I've been to. Westall paints a very realistic picture of what life was like during the blitz. There were food shortages, the constant stress of being bombed, and the fear of being invaded.

Westall creates fantastic characters with the children of the machine gun gang. They are essentially a group of misfits, with very different backgrounds and personalities. However, they come together and become, to all intents and purposes, a family. I was a little bit heartbroken by what happens in the end because they had formed such a close-knit bond.

It is a great little book and I'm going to recommend it to my nephew. I believe he will enjoy reading it as much as I did. It's a book that not only tells a great story but also provides a glimpse into a different time and place.

The Machine-Gunners is a captivating book that centers around a boy named Chas McGill during World War 2.

The story kicks off in Garmouth, a town in England, where Chas discovers a machine gun from a downed German bomber. The adventures that follow are not only excitingly fast-paced and fun but also offer valuable lessons.

Firstly, Chas and his group of friends come together to deal with the challenges posed by the frequent German invasions and the presence of the machine gun. Had Chas attempted to handle this alone, he might not have been able to keep the secret of Fortress Caparetto from the adults and support Nicky and Rudi in living there for an extended period. However, with the help of his loyal and caring friends, he manages to handle everything until the night of the (fake) German attack. This shows that friendships can provide the necessary support to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.

I also found the cooperation between Rudi, the German rear-gunner who lands in Garmouth, and the children at the fort under Audrey's care to be truly heartwarming. Rudi fixes the machine gun for them, and this unlikely alliance would not have been possible if others had discovered him. Despite the strained relationship between Germany and Britain at the time, Chas and Rudi do not let their ethnicity divide them.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was not only informative, teaching me a great deal about life during WW2, but also made me reflect on how people reacted during the start of the Covid pandemic, which was a difficult time similar to WW2 in The Machine Gunners. It served as a reminder that we need to stop discriminating and start supporting each other.

Admittedly, I haven't read this book for over 30 years.

However, I still remember it being my favorite book when I was a child.

I read most of his other books around the same time.

It would be really interesting to see if this book still holds up.

Maybe one day, I'll take the time to revisit this wonderful story.

I wonder if it will bring back the same feelings and excitement that it did when I was a young reader.

It could be a nostalgic journey that allows me to reconnect with my childhood self and the magic of that special book.

Who knows what new discoveries and insights I might have when I read it again after all these years?

It's something that I look forward to with anticipation.