Spies in the Sky is set in England during World War II. The main character is a pigeon called Royal Blue, a descendent of royal racing pigeon champions and determined to be a future champion himself (he hopes!). But Blue gets chosen to do something else instead; to help in the war effort against Germany as part of the National Pigeon Service (NPS). Blue goes on many adventures both alone and with other NPS pigeons as part of his new job.
This was the first book about World War II that I have read, though I had seen a few films about it. I enjoyed learning about history, and it was interesting to see the war from the perspective of an animal, especially when the animal has such an important role and gets involved in the action. It was also interesting that when the Royal Air Force go on a mission, they would bring NPS pigeons on board. If they got shot down, the pigeon would fly from the plane back to the base with a message about the location of the pilots.
Spies in the Sky is a book about teamwork and never giving up. I really did enjoy reading it because it was full of action, gave me ideas for my own stories and gave me an excited, tingly feeling I only get when I read really good books. I thought the story was easy to enjoy and the characters really brought you into the story. As the story was based on real life, you could picture in your head what it might have been like for people during the war and how scary it would have been.
The thing I liked the most was that even small things and small creatures can make a difference. I will look at pigeons differently now, I think!
Reviewed by Catherine, Year 4
Birchgrove Public School, Birchgrove NSW
Age Guide 8+
Read an interview with the author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHORBeverley McWilliams loves sharing history with young children. In August 2019, she published her debut picture book Born to Fly, which tells the story of South Australian aviator Captain Harry Butler and received a notable commendation from the CBCA.
Beverley’s writing has also been published online and in magazines, and she is a regular contributor to The School Magazine, Australia’s longest-running literary publication for children.
Beverley is the event coordinator for the Society Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI SA) and a member of the Australian Society Authors. She lives by the beach in beautiful South Australia with her family and menagerie of pets who provide endless inspiration.
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