Stories of children escaping to the countryside during the Blitz in the Second World War are perennially popular, from Goodnight Mr Tom to The War That Saved My Life. This debut novel takes a slightly different tack with an intriguing mystery.

A classroom of children from London are sent to a small town in Wales, where strong friendships are broken, and new alliances are formed. Jimmy and his younger brother, Ronnie, are placed with a kind couple, the Thomases. But there is ill will between them and the local priest, Reverend Evans, whose son thrives on bullying others.

Jimmy’s best friend has been placed with the Reverend and his friendship can no longer be relied upon. When a desperately unhappy Jimmy retreats to an old oak tree, he makes a gruesome discovery: a skull hiding among its roots. Solving the mystery of the skull and the animosity between the villagers may be the key to helping Jimmy feel as if he belongs. This is an impressive debut with friendship and mystery at its heart. Suitable for readers aged 9+.

Angela Crocombe is the manager of Readings Kids.