"A timely, moving novel about the true nature of heroism set in intolerant, racist, dystopian Britain"
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Award 2023 ages 7-10
Perfectly-pitched for its intended age group, Joanna Nadin’s No Man’s Land is a mightily thought-provoking, utterly gripping, and empathy-inspiring story of a ten-year-old boy’s bravery in the face of the terrifying changes that come in the wake of an impending war in far-right Albion, a dystopian imagining of post-Brexit Britain.
It started “when the Albioneers won the election. Maybe before, even - before I was born. When England decided it didn’t like Europe any more.” That’s how endearing Al surmises the situation as things worsen in Albion - his non-British, non-white friends are being compelled to leave this intolerant, racist land, and war is on the horizon. As a result, Al and his little brother Sam are sent to safety by their dad, to Kernow in the country, where a community of mainly women eke out survival. While Sam believes this is all part of a game, Al is angry at being sent away, and desperate to be reunited with his dad by his imminent birthday. But time sweeps by, and war is certain.
There are valuable lessons to be learned from Al’s realisation that the women of Kernow are, in fact, the true heroines of the piece - “there were different ways to resist… I saw them then. The women in the kitchen, whispering, drinking, planning. Not bad things. But not nothing either. Providing a life for anyone who needed it.” In Al’s words, “not all heroes wear capes. And not all heroes carry guns.” Powerfully prescient stuff, with wonderfully-drawn characters.
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
'I could feel it coming. War, I mean. Creeping up on us, into our town, down our street, into our house. Smiling like a friend, like it was Batman come to save us when really it was the Joker all along.'
With far-right Albion on the brink of war with Europe, ten-year-old Alan and his little brother Sam are sent away to safety. Dad tells Alan he has to be brave, like the superheroes he loves, but Alan isn't too sure. He wants to be wherever Dad is, and, anyway - can he really be sure who's a hero and who's a villain?
A heartwarming, heartbreaking story of acceptance, love and bravery in all its different forms, from the acclaimed author of Joe All Alone.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed No Man's Land and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
No Man's Land features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Science Fiction, Star Books, Featured Books for 9+ readers
No Man's Land is available in Paperback
No Man's Land was written by Joanna Nadin and published by UCLan Publishing
No Man's Land has 262 pages
£7.19
