BY HATTIE WALES (aged 12)

 

How I Live Now is an enjoyable, exciting read that is different from most teenage books. The theme is quite grown-up and it is really well-written.

A teenage girl called Elizabeth, who goes by the name of Daisy, travels over to England from Manhattan to visit her Aunt Penn and cousins-Osbert, Edmond, Isaac and Piper. To start with Daisy is homesick, but she soon settles in, and forgets all about America.

Daisy and her cousins receive news that Aunt Penn is stranded in Oslo. During this time terrorists attack from an unknown enemy who later occupies Britain. The new war becomes difficult for Daisy and her cousins. One day, the farm is taken over by soldiers who separate the boys from the girls by sending them away to live at separate homes, and then separate farms. After the war is over, Daisy must put the remaining scarred pieces of her family back together.

I thought this book was a lovely read, sad in places and I loved the relationship between Daisy and Edmond especially. I would recommend this book to 11-year-olds and above; some of it would not be suitable for younger children.

 

This book was published by Penguin and is available to buy for £7.99. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.