Zinc Written by Sue Klauber. Reviewed by Sam, Age 11

Zinc tells us that war isn’t just about tanks and soldiers and people on the front line. It’s also about code cracking, spying and the people left behind at home.

We learn the true story of author, Sue Klauber’s, father, uncle and aunt during the second world war. Her aunt Eva is a member of the secret service in Hungary. Her uncle George is an adventurer, spying by parachuting into different countries across Europe.

However, my favourite character was John, her father. I like how he represented that it’s not just the front line that wins the war. Through his role as as code cracker he discovered that London would be bombed. This is the most tense part of the story as you’re kept guessing about who will survive.

The story starts in 1938 in Germany with George spying for Britain. Most of the story is set in England, with vivid descriptions of George’s training camp. We also see Hungary, Bletchley Park and London. I would recommend ‘Zinc’ to children towards the end of primary school because there are some upsetting ideas.

Ending with a powerful quote from Churchill (” We are still masters of our fate We are still captains of our soul”) is an important message. It tells us to never give up, even when times are hard.