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Shrapnel Boys

Jenny Pearson

$17.99

Paperback

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English
Usborne Publishing Ltd
22 August 2025
An explosive new novel about the friendship and courage of a group of young boys living through the Second World War, from award-winning author Jenny Pearson.

There's a war going on out there, and I'm missing it.

When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is scared and excited: scared of the bombs that fall at night, but excited to race his friends to collect the best bits of shrapnel every morning. But for Ronnie, the battles aren't just in the sky and on the streets. They're at school and at home too. His little brother is up to no good with a secret job and dangerous new friends, and Ronnie's worried he's getting himself into big trouble. Ronnie's desperate to help his little brother. But he isn't expecting to uncover secrets that could change the fate of the whole war...
By:  
Imprint:   Usborne Publishing Ltd
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 198mm,  Width: 130mm,  Spine: 24mm
Weight:   322g
ISBN:   9781805312963
ISBN 10:   1805312960
Pages:   384
Publication Date:  
Recommended Age:   From 9 to 12 years
Audience:   Children/juvenile ,  English as a second language
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Jenny Pearson has been awarded six mugs, one fridge magnet, one wall plaque and numerous cards for her role as Best Teacher in the World. When she is not busy being inspirational in the classroom, she would like nothing more than to relax with her two young boys, but she can't as they view her as a human climbing frame. Her debut novel, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, was short listed for the Costa Children's Book Award and selected as a Waterstones Book of the Month.

Reviews for Shrapnel Boys

Jenny Pearson puts her band of brave, spirited kids in the middle of their very own war. * Phil Earle, British Book Award-winning author * Jenny Pearson must be the best children's author writing at the moment. SHRAPNEL BOYS is a pacy and compelling journey through the mess and fragility and love of what it means to be a human. All that, and she can make you laugh on every page. She's a genius. * Katya Balen, Carnegie Medal-winning author * Full of whip-smart and emotive storytelling, brave characters & authentic voices, Jenny's first historical adventure is an absolute smash hit * Mel Taylor-Bessent * Jenny Pearson's first venture into historical fiction is accomplished with seamless skill, and has all the relatable, warm storytelling we've come to expect. Rich in period detail, but never didactic, Shrapnel Boys is a triumph of a novel; one which deserves to join other classic World War II children's stories on our bookshelves. * Lesley Parr * An expertly woven tale of brotherly bonds during a time of war. Despite its historical setting it feels current and timely! * Maisie Chan, award-winning author * Shrapnel Boys skilfully combines an entertaining storyline and immediately likeable protagonists with historically accurate details, resulting in a gripping read. * The School Reading List * Jenny Pearson wows us with her new tale of resilience and spirit as we follow brothers, Ronnie and Mickey, as they navigate a war that is close to home. * Maisie Chan, award-winning children's author * An important and timely book. * Maisie Chan, award-winning children's author *


  • Long-listed for James Reckitt Hull Children's Book Award 2026 (UK)
  • Long-listed for The UKLA Book Awards 2026 (UK)
  • Nominated for The Yoto Carnegie Medal 2026 (UK)
  • Short-listed for Cheshire Schools' Book Award 2026 (UK)
  • Short-listed for Nero Book Awards 2026 (UK)

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