As an evacuee, Ralph received a good education, but after the war Ralph's working-class father resents his education and his ambition to be an actor, and is furious when Ralph is sacked from the paper mill. The story traces Ralph's struggle to reconcile the disparate strands of his life.

By the author of Goodnight Mr Tom, this is a heart-warming story of a young girl growing up in the immediate post-war era. For Elsie, though, the fighting isn't over. Not only does she have to cope with the indifference of her father, himself adjusting to family life after the war, she also has to run the gauntlet of a vicious bully and cope with being a scholarship girl at the local grammar school. Through her work with the local repertory theatre, Elsie's confidence slowly grows and she finds herself able to confront all her demons. This is the rich and dramatic story of a young girl who manages to overcome many obstacles in her attempts to lead a normal life. Michelle Magorian's great strength is her ability to understand both the vulnerabilities and the strengths of her characters, and to imbue even the most distressing events with elements of humour and warmth. —Philippa Reece

From the award-winning author of "Goodnight Mister Tom" comes "Just Henry": A gripping mystery-thriller and an insightful snapshot of time, set in post-war Britain.It's 1949 and life is bleak for Henry. He misses his father who died a war hero, and he escapes from his annoying stepfather and stepsister whenever he can and goes to the cinema - his passion.One day in the cinema queue he meets Mrs Beaumont who also loves films, and lends Henry a camera for his school project. Henry is disgusted that he's been put in a group with Jeffries, the son of a man who went AWOL, and Pip, who was born illegitimate; but he's about to learn that tolerance and friendship are more important than social stigmas.Henry will need his new friends when he processes the film and makes an alarming discovery.Like a bomb waiting to explode, Henry's world is about to unravel...

A compelling story of London’s theatre world at the start of the 60s as Josie tries to find success as an actress. 12-year old Josie attends a finishing-style stage school. She dreams of being on stage, but is firmly told she has no acting ability. Fortunately she finds herself cast as a boy in an American comedy – but she is mistaken for the star and kidnapped and imprisoned in a dockside warehouse. Managing to escape, she and a fellow runaway take refuge in the Theatre Royal in Stratford. They are offered work by the legendary Joan Littlewood, founder of the Theatre Workshop Company. Much to Josie’s surprise this leads to a role in a Saturday-morning film. However, the kidnappers haven’t given up yet and they are on Josie’s trail… Impossible! is a story that will keep readers enthralled chapter by chapter as the drama unfolds- rather like the film that Josie is in. - See more at: http://www.michellemagorian.com/impos...