Friend or Foe

I read this book aloud to a class of 10 year-olds. They loved it and looked at war and its effects in a whole new way. They also loved the misbehavior of the main characters and how all of us have to deal with moral dilemmas. It shows how growing up is not as easy as children may think and how all decisions have consequences. It also (very cleverly) shows the humanity of German soldiers and the boys' realisation of this, a situation that they didn't expect to happen in the boring countryside. The book describes very effectively the urban/rural divide and the difficulty parents had in feeding their children in the cities. The description of the food that the boys eat on the farm is mouthwatering - but how hard is the work! A very rich read and a story that stays with the reader.

An easy read for reluctant readers.

I loved it. very exciting like when the boys find the pilots and they have to steal food to give them

This story is set in England during World War 2. Friends David and Tucky have been living in war torn London and have faced death night after night as German bombers unleash destruction. A year ago David's father was killed while fighting the Germans and only a week ago Brian and Garry Perkins, two boys from David and Tucky's school, had been killed by a bomb. David hates the Germans.Soon David and Tucky are evacuated to a small village in Devon where it is relatively safe. But as events unfold David must face a question: are all Germans evil killers, or are some ordinary people caught up in world events?This is a novel that will help children to think beyond hard categories of good and bad. Children will be encouraged to see their enemies as human, a mixture of both good and bad.

This is a simple little story of two boys evacuated from London to the countryside. It covers the emotional parting, the nerves of new experiences and some great country characters.When the boys see a German plane come down over the moors they have a heard time getting the locals to believe them, especially as no plane or Germans can be found despite an exhaustive search. However, later when one of the boys falls in the river and is rescued by one of the Germans the boys have a dilemma. Do they turn in the rescuer and his comrade or do they help their `enemies' escape as a means of thanking them?I won't reveal the story but this really does put into context that people are involved in the war not just enemies and allies. A good simple but thought provoking story for juniors.Gail Jonesauthor of Family Missing

David and Tucky were evacuated with the rest of their school to Devon, being the last two to be given a host family they are given to a farmer Mr Reynolds and his French wife, they liked the Reynolds straight away, they were very kind to them and they loved helping around the farmOne night from their bedroom window they hear and see a German bomber crash in the distance, there is a search by the Home Guard but nothing is found, the boys knew what they had seen and went looking for it, whilst crossing a river David falls in, he can't swim and is drowning when a man jumps in and saves him, the man is a German pilotThe boys have a choice do they report them or keep the secret, the actual BFF Foundation film of the same name was much better than the book

I thought this book was really well written for kids. Such a nice story which, at times , is a real page turner. My 10 year old is very into the war and he really enjoyed this book. Quite a short, small book and depending on your child's reading level, is probably suitable for 7 plus age. Like I said, my 10 year old son really enjoyed this book. Would recommend

As with all Michael Morpurgo's books, they are a pleasure to read for adults and young people. Historically top class and interesting dilemmas in the storyline. 5 star book.

As usual, I loved this. It is a great read for adults ad children alike. We are so privileged to live in the time of such a great wtier.

I originally bought this book for my daughter but after seeing how much she enjoyed it I decided to read it myself. This book was so gripping that I never wanted to put it down. Michael Mopurgo is always a brilliant author and has many amazing books, but this particular book stood out for my 11 year old daughter.I would recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2 and loves a bit of friendship. I hope Michael Mopurgo does another book like this.ENJOY!!!! : )