Author:John Rowe Townsend
The island of Halycon has continued in its quiet, isolated way for centuries. The arrival of Cybil, a visitor from the mainland brings the first radio to Halycon. On this the Islanders learn of more disturbing visitors: an expeditioning force from the Mother Country arrive to set up and repel a potential invasion from Santa Cruz, a country with a rival claim. The resulting brutal events change the course of the islands forever.
Beverley Naidoo breaks the rules, producing books for young people which recognize that they want to know about the real world
—— GuardianThis novel wholly deserves its classic status . . . still relevant and poignant
—— BooktrustA marvellous read ... that refuels the desire for justice and freedom
—— Jon SnowSometimes you have to break the rules, particularly when those rules are based on prejudice. Naidoo breaks the rules, producing books for young people which recognize that they want to know about the real world
—— GuardianGenuinely enlightening ... gently moves the reader through areas that are hard to think about.
—— TES