Michelle Magorian's specialty is edginess - in each of her books she pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable in a novel for children. Here, the child abuse experienced by Willie is truly harrowing. Parents will want to know that, although carefully contained in a short chapter in the middle of the novel, and sandwiched by the overflowing kindness and care of Tom for Willie, we see him hideously physically abused by his mother, and locked in a cupboard with his baby sister, who dies in his care. His mother is clearly struggling with her mental health, but sadly twists her views of the Bible and religion to justify her cruelty towards her son. It is so hard to read, and will inevitably stick with the reader, but is necessary in the book as seeing the depths of the harm done to William enables us to better appreciate the power to heal of Mister Tom's kindness towards him.

If your older teens enjoy Michelle Magorian's writing, then 'Back Home' is another wonderful post-war story of an evacuee returning from America which ends happily, but unusually, in the separation of her parents (her father is not a nurturing or caring man, but here we see Magorian's boundary-pushing again). She also doesn't shy away from swearing in dialogue if, and only if, it explains a character. Also, I fell in love with 'A Little Love Song' as a teen - again, it has uncomfortable subject matter for parents: mental health battles, a home labour dealt with by two teenagers, and the new physical experiences of Rose as she is pursued first by an undesirable hormonally driven upstart, and ultimately by Alex, the book's bookish hero. This one is a lovely read for adults who enjoy WW2 literature and a fresh take on women's experiences of the war. Amazon rates this as appropriate for 12+, but I totally disagree - 15+ would be my guidance on this one!