A review by yapha
Across a War-Tossed Sea by L.M. Elliott

4.0

This companion book to Under a War-Torn Sky looks at the lives of two brothers who were evacuated from London to Virginia in 1943. Charles (14) and Wesley (10) are sent by their parents to a family friend in Rural Virginia to escape the Blitz. Their father had saved Mr. Ratcliffe's life in the first World War, and he is happy to return the favor by looking after the brothers. Settling into life in the American South isn't easy for the boys. Charles feels immense guilt for leaving his parents and friends behind. Wesley suffers from nightmares both about the bombings and their perilous crossing. He is teased endlessly by one of the Ratcliffe brothers as well. This is an interesting look at life on the home front, including treatment of German POWs and the beginnings of racial integration as part of the war effort. It is not necessary to have read the companion volume. Recommended for grades 5-8.