A family member missing. A war rampaging the entire world. A young boy ready to lie to be able to fight.

This is the life of Thomas, a thirteen-year-old Irish miner who is living amid World War I.

In this wonderful book Secret Soldiers by Keely Hutton you go on a journey with Thomas as he fights and keeps secrets to find his brother.

Eighteen was the minimum age to enlist in the British Army. But Thomas, only thirteen, is still intent on joining the army to leave behind poverty and find his missing brother.

He joins the army illegally with the help of George, a street urchin. They are joined by quiet Charlie and stuck up Eton student Frederick. When they arrive, they discover that they are not fighting on the front line but underneath it.

They dig trenches and then blow them up underneath the German territories. Thomas spends his nights searching for his brother endlessly and is gradually joined by George, Charlie, and Frederick. Even though their personalities differ, they form a bond as secret soldiers.

Author Keely Hutton has written a compelling story about World War I. This novel teaches you about the hidden jobs soldiers are given. She shows that being a soldier takes the utmost courage and while you are there you never once forget about your family. This novel guides you through the war while also showing you how a close friendship forms. I hope you enjoy Secret Soldiers by Keely Hutton.

Title: Secret Soldiers
Author: Keely Hutton
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) , $27.72
Publication Date: June 11, 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: ‎‎‎9780374309039
For ages: 10 –14
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

September 2, 2021 at 03:22AM DimbutNice