Shadow Creatures is the story of how WWII changed the lives of everyone in a small town of Norway.
Told as a dual narrative from the point of view of Tove who was 12 and Liva who was 9, we learn about how the Germans marched into their village and changed everything, including using the small island they used to use for picnics as a POW camp.
I always enjoy books set during WWII but I don't think I've ever read one set in Norway so I was intrigued. Life clearly isn't easy in the village but it is a small place and everyone knows everyone else, so when word comes that the Germans are on the way they decide to hide what few valuables they have and then many of the men leave to fight, including the sisters' father, leaving their brother Haakon as the man of the house.
As the book progresses, it is clear to see that their simple, carefree childhood becomes much darker and more serious as the threat posed by the Germans becomes very real. Even though Norway is a neutral country, the village still faces rationing, food shortages, changes to their curriculum and restrictions in what they can do.
Shadow Creatures is a story of resilience and bravery that highlights the effects of WWII on the children of Norway and is a book I would recommend for those heading into KS3 (KS2 children would enjoy this but there is the odd piece of vocabulary that some parents may worry about).
Publising 3/10, Shadow Creatures is an incredibly interesting and thought-provoking read.
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