Shrapnel Boys

Very good book. I enjoyed the concept of kids getting trapped in crime during WW2. Love the development of Johnny, it’s like he’s on the brink whether he likes Micky or not. I also like how Mr Etherington is explored and how in reality he is a war hero not a strict Headmaster. Love this, overall 9/10

Joseph.c

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Shrapnel boys was the best book by far. The writing style, structure, and character arc was excellent. The ending was satisfying but in keeping with the tense tone of the rest of the book. It felt surprisingly relatable for a World War Two book. The descriptions were gripping and well written. I'm surprised that this book was not shortlisted, as it was, in my opinion, a better read than many of the other books. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Oliver R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Shrapnel Boys is my favourite book, in all of the Longlist! Shrapnel Boys is the best book in all of the Longlist! I personally think that Shrapnel Boys should have been given a chance in the Shortlist. I know all the books in the Shortlist were good, but I still think that Shrapnel Boys should have been in the Shortlist. It is about a boys called Ronnie Smith, his little brother, Mickey and their friend Billy(also known as Lugs) and how they lead their lives in World War 2. I would recommend this book to anyone loves adventurous, fast-paced and thrilling books blended in with history. Shrapnel Boys starts when war strikes through London in 1939. Ronnie, Mickey and Lugs, who weren't evacuated, are nervous and excited for the war to come. Nervous for the bombs to fall, and excited to go foraging for all the shrapnel with their friends. Ronnie, Mickey and Lugs were best mates, but when a suspicious man named Johnny Simmons enchant his mother and Mickey away, their friendship gets torn in half. As there is lots of shrapnel everywhere, Arthur, Graham and Harry(The Wreckers) have a bet versus Ronnie, Mickey and Lugs(The Shrapnel Boys) to see who could collect more shrapnel. When Johnny Simmons gets his brother doing secret jobs and being up to no good, Ronnie steps in and tries to warn his mother and Mickey. But, all he gets is being told off by his mother. As Mickey's friendship spirals away from Ronnie and Lugs, Ronnie gets an idea- a good idea, but very risky. His plan is that he and Lugs join Johnny's gang, just to save Mickey from not getting caught by the police. But, when he finds out that Johnny is working for the Blackshirts(a group of fascists for Adolf Hitler), Ronnie becomes desperate to snap Mickey away from the dangerous new life he is leading. And when their dad dies, it just makes Ronnie even more determined to get Johnny away from his family. When they were about to do the heist to get the important blueprint for the special RADAR, they get spotted and get chased by the police. When they were about to split up and create a decoy, Ronnie grabs all of them and drags them down a street, to the bombed up place which they call 'The Den'. In the 'Den', they give the blueprint to Mr Etherington, their headmaster who then rounds up Johnny with the police. But at the Den, Micky gets stabbed by a piece of shrapnel on the floor. As Mickey is sent to the hospital, their mother, Cathy, apologizes to Ronnie that she should have trusted him and that Johnny was always a bit harsh towards him. At the end, Ronnie, Lugs, Graham, Harry and Arthur give Mickey a go-cart as a gift for him to get well. The end was really heartfelt moment where the boys become best friends again.

Mithulesh A

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Shrapnel Boys is an excellent read. I think it is a great way to teach young individuals about world war 2. It reminds us that we have infinite potential when we work together as a team. I think this book is suitable for children over the age of 10. Overall, this is the perfect World War 2 book for young children.

Hamzah S

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Shrapnel boys was a great book. I love reading books set in World War 2 ,they always seem some of the most exciting adventure stories. The books follows brothers Ronnie and Mickey through the start of World War 2. Throughout the novel Ronnie becomes increasingly set on getting Micky away from the dangerous new life he is leading. I have never read a book set in World War 2 that focuses on fascism in the UK in World war 2 and It gave me more insight on what was happening in England. I liked the rising stakes throughout the book and I liked the fact it slowed down during the middle of the book and focused on the title ,Shrapnel Boys, it gave a nice break and a rest from the tension of the book (even though made me want to get back on the drama of the book). The title (Shrapnel Boys) was one of the things I disliked about the book .The book hardly focused on shrapnel and (as the blurb said it did) on Shrapnel hunting. The cover art also didn't make sense as it focuses on six boys which is misleading because people may think the six boys are the Shrapnel Boys and this is not true as only the three protagonists were given the name Shrapnel Boys. A great book, but the cover, not so great. But overall... I LOVED IT

Raphael

SCD Pageturners

This book was amazing. I enjoyed reading this so much I was literally glued to the book! I would highly recommend it as it was one of my favorite books that I have read this year.

Maya

SCD Pageturners

Shrapnel Boys was thrilling to read, and I'd found it similar to Michael Morpurgo's war stories. It was a long book, but I enjoy reading books from different time periods, and this set during the blitz in 1939 interested me. I think the only problem with the book was that it felt like there the amount of side plots made it fell repetitive. But apart from that, a really good read and it's one of the few Carnegie books I would recommend.

taha

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book was AMAZING and I loved it. It was inspiring , Ronnie and Micky were presented with a situation that was really confusing and hard to navigate but they succeeded after all with a positive outcome at the end of the story.

Evie

Harris Legends

This book was very immersive and was saddening at times due to the loss and the terrible re -told reality of the Blitz during World War Two. The re-bonding of the brothers was a very heartfelt moment after all they go through their resilience is commendable.

Lola

Harris Legends

This book was so informative. I would read this book again because it's so good, this story will stay with me forever. I highly recommend this amazing book to others and even my future children. It saddened me in parts and made my heart ache. The loss hurt me. I'm happy for the main characters Ronnie and Micky for being resilient and getting through the blitz. I cried tears of joy, at the ending. 5 stars.

Matthew

Harris Legends

Shrapnel Boys was a good book. I loved the plot idea of living in World War 2 and establishing the good from the bad. It explores the bond of brothers and the fear of war. Following Ronnie, Lugs and Mickey on their adventure in the war was thrilling and fun. I do wish the plot moved faster and was as tiny bit more about the title as the story didn't really revolve around Shrapnel. It feels underwhelming since the title makes me think I'm about to read a story about Shrapnel boys. Overall a wonderful book just not for me :)

Lara

SCD Pageturners

A tale of bravery, friends, and fighting for what is right.

Jack

Epsomians

The book is about a boy called Ronnie and a person named Jonny . It is set in the Second World War. My favourite part was when they discovered that Jonny was trying to help the Germans. I would probably recommend it to anyone who is interested in reading stories that have loads of plot twists.

Neave

Sandroyd Bookivores

I enjoyed Shrapnel Boys because the plot was clear with relatable characters. The protagonist was obviously well thought out, he was a boy named Ronald and his best friends Michael and Billy who do not leave London in the second world war and as a new man joins their lives they fight to get him behind bars. I enjoyed a twist near the end. I would absolutely suggest this book to someone who likes reading books about war.

Abigail

FCC Book Group

Shrapnel Boys is a very gripping read. It is about normal boys in WW2. I really enjoyed it because I enjoy reading about WW2 and watching films about it. This was the best book by far so it is a 10/10

Cody w

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Absolutely AMAZING story with awesome cover artwork and a very satisfying ending :) It's got beautifully written characters and each of them have different personalities and opinions which helps us almost live in the book. Also, brilliant research btw :)

Annabella

SCD Pageturners

When I first looked at the title I thought it was going to be a very boring book, but after reading it, my opinion changed drastically. Ronnie Smith has his two best friend, Lugs and his brother Micky. Johnny Simmons wanders into their life and takes Micky under his hand. Turns out Johnny was working for the blackshirts ( a group of fascists working for Hitler). Through the power of friendships and brotherhood, they save Micky and get Johnny arrested. I found this book really good in the middle of the war. I would say this is my favourite book out of it all. Rate it 10 out of 10 .

mahiru

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I liked this book and how it had the perfect mix of action and comedy. Most of the book had the right pace, but the middle got a bit repetitive, with Ronnie accusing Johnny of being a fascist, Johnny finding an excuse, it repeating and so on. Other than that, this book represents the struggles of war and how you can't easily help someone who doesn't want it. In terms of engaging the reader, this book has it all - suspense at what's to come, anger at johnny and the blackshirts, relief when they get arrested, and happiness when it's all resolved.

Connor F

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This was one of my favourite books in a while. It was very good as it was about ordinary boys in WW2. This was good as it had a feeling of reality and was empowering.

Jeevan

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This is probably my favourite Carnegie book this year . I really like the WW2 setting as well as the setting and character progression

William s

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This is my second review I have written on this book. The last time was a month or two ago but I haven't been able to forget this book. It is amazing. I felt during reading this like I was with the main characters. When they got hurt I was genuinely scared and anxious. I have never had this with another book. It is an amazing piece of writing. I don't know why this is longlisted if anything it should win. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. I hope in future there will be more amazing historical, heart-warming fiction books

Isabelle

SCD Pageturners

Shrapnel Boys is a book about a boy called Ronnie and his brother Micky. It is set in WW2 and is a very accurate representation. The villain Johnny Simmons is a evil Facist who entices Micky to work for him without knowing he is going to steal from people. Ronnie is aware he is evil from the start but his mother and brother do not believe him. He has to go his best friend Billy or Lugs a in the end goes to his headmaster for help to get Johnny arrested. In the end the mother and Micky believe him and all is well. I would recommend this book and would give it a 9.5/10.

Thomas F

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I think that Shrapnel boys is a very interesting because it gets you hooked up to it and you keep want to read more about it I like the realistic scene and the plot it gives you a sense of how it would be at the start of World War 2 and how families would react. I think this book would be interesting for people aged 8 or above because kids younger might not find it as appealing. Over all I would rate this book an 8/10.

Ayaan N

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

It was a very absorbing book that kept me thinking about Ronnie's problems all day. The storyline was great and it kept me in suspense until the very end. It displayed the effects of war on children very well. Showing the children's lives growing up in World War II, this book really inspired me to not give up hope even in hard times.

Botond

SCD Pageturners

Shrapnel boys is an amazing book and I really love how dramatic and descriptive it is. I felt like I was in the book and I had a vivid image of the scenes. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

Benjamin

SCD Pageturners

i loved this book because it was all about trying your best and never giving up

Kyra

SCD Pageturners

Shrapnel Boys is a book set in the Second World War. It follows a boy named Ronnie Smith and his friends, as they experience life during the start of the war and the Blitz. During this, a man named Johnny Smith, who is a fascist, appears and tries to turn Ronnie's brother and his friends to fascism and crime. This book was very enjoyable, and it had a emotional message. I would rate this book 4.5/5.

Aidan

Epsomians

This book is about a boy who, during the war, ends up trying to convince his mum and brother that the man who is acting as their father figure is not who he says he is and is bad news. The man, Jonny Simmons has got Ronnie’s little brother Micky doing some strange jobs and Ronnie does not trust him. The main characters are Ronnie and Micky and Jonny Simmons. The story takes place in London during the Second World War. My favourite part is when Ronnie has to pretend he wants to be involved in the strange scheme, so he can find out what is really going on and save his little brother. The most exciting thing was at the end when the police are chasing Ronnie and he almost gets arrested for something he did not do. I really enjoyed this book. The funny characters and emotional message made it so enjoyable. The story made me feel excited, and also a little bit scared in places. There is not a thing I would change in this book because it was written so so well. I would definitely read this book again. I think that this book is perfect for 10-13 yr olds. I would recommend this book because of all the emotions and excitement.

Zara

Sandroyd Bookivores

Good but I think it would be even better for someone who lived during that time to read as I didn't understand all of the slang language the author uses that must have been common at the time.

Shaya

Belsize Stories

Shrapnel Boys was a really fun read! I am always a fan of historical fiction in WW2, and this book certainly gave that! It was such a nice read! It’s about a boy called Ronnie, and it’s almost like a mystery book! It thrilled me to no end! I would recommend it to those who like historical fiction, like me! Five stars! ;D

Kayla

SCD Pageturners

Usually, I don’t care about war or fascism but this book felt different. Instead of brave men on the battlefield, it was the ordinary people that went into shenanigans of their own.

Zak

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Shrapnel Boys was incredibly heartwarming. The way the relationships between people, especially The Wreckers versus the Shrapnel Boys, were developed really did reflect real life and how some people that don't seem like they'd fit with you do and also vice versa. I completely understood Ronnie's frustration and definitely felt his emotions with him throughout the book. Four stars!

rida

HGS Book Club

This book was my absolute favorite and I really loved it. I loved the action, the drama, the rivalry, the friendship and just really everything. This book is great for people who love action mixed with history.It also shows the ways people can get mixed up into trouble and this book makes it even more interesting when Micky gets lured in by Johnny. I would definitely recommend this book and I am so happy that I finally found a book I will remember forever after some failed attempts of trying to find a good book. I rate this 10/10 and even more!

Marie

SHHS shadows

This book is really good - it focuses on WWII in London for once. I like it because usually WWII books with kids as the main characters are about their evacuation experiences. this book, on the other hand, talks about the life of a boy within London during the time of war. it must be pretty hard to be him because he thinks this guy is pretty sus but everyone else doesnt and kinda likes him. Ok long story short this book is great everyone read it!

Leah

Hasmonean Pages

This book has a fabulous setting, it is really interesting as the theme is familiar but Pearson takes a spin on it!! It makes you feel what the boys are going through and their feelings towards the war!

Arielle

Hasmonean Pages

Shrapnel boys is about two brothers ( Ronnie and Micky Smith ) and their friends and is set in WWII. One day, just before the war, a man called Johnny ( later shown as a fascist and a manipulator ) who wants the Germans to win the war. Johnny gains the trust of Micky and forces him to steal stuff when the air raid sirens sound later leading to a plot that could completely change the war. I really liked this book as it is set in WWII and is a great book. It also shows the other side of world WWII, showing instead of bravery cowardice and thievery.

Samuel H

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I think shrapnel boys is a great book - very disappointed it did not make the shortlist. I think this book was good because it was engaging, exciting, and had good morals, 10/10!

alfie c

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I thought Shrapnel Boys was a great book. I enjoyed how it explored life in WW2 and the love between families. I thought the storyline was brilliant as Ronnie finally proved who Johnny really was.

Rafferty T

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Shrapnel Boys is the Best Book I've read so far. It is very easy to get behind Ronnie's motivation and to really, really hate Johnny. You feel all the same emotions as the the protagonist, the plot is exciting and dramatic, and Mr. Etherington being a War Veteran is great. Tiger is the Best, I rate this book 9.6/10

Rahul

SCD Pageturners

It is a very good historical fiction book and I enjoyed reading it

netanel

Belsize Stories

Shrapnel boys is set just before World War 2 to the middle of the blitz. takes place in London while England is surrounded by Germany. Main character Ronnie is best friends with his brother Micky and his friends Lugs. There is a man called Johnny who Micky suspects that is a criminal. And Johnny has wormed his way into Ronnie's family and is doing someting secertive with Micky and Lugs and Ronnie are trying to uncover Johnny's secret. It is a good book, I do recommend it for 9-15 yr olds. I learnt about what London was like during the blitz

Yehuda

Belsize Stories

Shrapnel Boys is an amazing read that I enjoyed a lot, with its action-filled and tense story. The characters have good personalities and are quite funny at times, and the plot is very intriguing and tense. I would recommend this book to others for its tense story.

Elliot

Knox Readers

I read Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson. It was a story about 3 boys in WW2 and they have to hide in their bunker for the blitz by the Lufftwaffe (German Air Force). The 3 boys Micky, Ronnie and Lugs meet Johnny who is secretly part of the BUF (British Union of Fascists). They have to help the police stop Johnny. They are called the Shrapnel Boys because after the bombing finishes they run out to collect the biggest and best bits of Shrapnel (bits of metal from bombs). I would recommend this to people who like history and to teenagers because there are interesting bits of history.

Het

Xenial Readers of Rushey Mead 2026

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as the themes were very clear and had a good story a clearly highlighted the point it wanted to. It was written beautifully and it had me gripped after the first chapter. The importance a friendship and brother-ship was clear and I think that this book should of made the shortlist.

Henry D

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

It is impossible not to care about the characters! The story had me on the edge of my seat!

Isabelle

SCD Pageturners

This book was an amazing read as I loved looking at the story through Ron's point of view. The story portrayed a sense of Ron losing him to Johnny and essentially getting him back at the end which I personally liked as the relationship between both of them was an important part of the story. Favourite character for me was actually Ron because of his bravery and his love for his friends that the author showed really well in the way they had written it. Enjoyed this book a lot and an 8/10 for me.

Lakshake

HGS Book Club

The book is focused on a boy whose mum falls in love with a blackshirt (Nazi) but at the time she does not know what he is or what he stands for. The boy's father was abusive so he has a hunch about Johnny from the start, but doesn't manage to persuade anyone, only for his hunch to turn out to be right. I enjoyed this book.

George

Epsomians

In Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson the story follows Ronnie and Micky, two siblings who weren't evacuated during WW2. The writing is very descriptive and relatable which helps the reader understand the thoughts of the protagonist. One of the strongest aspects of the book is how Pearson shows that war isn't always fought for land and resources, but war can be personal and without planes and gunfire. However, I think that we should have the mother be slightly more suspicious about Johnny, as it seems that only Lugs and Ronnie realsie something is off. Overall, I think this book does deserve its place on the Carnegie longlist because it explores the theme of war in a literal and historical way as well as a social and personal way. I would rate it 9/10 and recommend it to teenagers who have an interest in WW2.

Noor

HGS Book Club

I have really enjoyed Shrapnel boys and it is probably my favourite book out of the five I have read because firstly, of the setting that adds a load of excitement and suspense with all the bombing. Secondly I like the main themes of collecting Shrapnel and protecting your family and friends no matter what the cost. Finally I also like the book because of the mischief and excitement of the main characters that always keeps you on your toes making you want to read more.

James

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Shrapnel boys is an amazing book set in 1939, WW2. A boy called Ronnie finds this war scary but exciting. He has a brother, Mickey; a mum, Cathy; a best friend, lugs; a friendly neighbour; Vera and an evil fascist man trying to wind his way into the family while also stealing his brother. All the while he was bullied up until they one competition of shrapnel collecting put an end to their feud. Personally, I loved this book, and I really felt the connections between the friendships and I really felt the anger and sympathy with Ronnie the entire journey. This book was a perfect contrast and balance between drama peace friendship and action. I did find the scene where Mickey rides a bike with a magnet a little unrealistic because I don’t think any magnet would be that powerful, but none the less still enjoyed the scene. I would recommend under a fire red sky if you enjoyed this book because they have a similar story and both are set in ww2 in parts.

Hal L

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Having recently finished Shrapnel Boys, I found myself immersed in a wonderful tale of friendship and brotherhood. But something is going on in London and it isn't slowing down. As the Nazis bomb London, two brothers ( Micky and Ronnie) challenge a rival gang to a shrapnel finding contest. It all goes wrong when Micky gets a wake up to the back of the head.

sam w

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book is set in 1939 during WW2. Its about a few boys that in the war collect pieces of Shrapnel. It was a competition to see who could get the best shrapnel piece. Throughout this time, Ronnie is worried about the war but still eager too. He did not know what war was but he knew that it meant change and fortunately for him, there would be change (but the war was unfortunate). There are battles everywhere in London but in other places too. In the end, there were some parts I liked about this story, like the fact that it was not a typical war story bit there was some excitement to it when they raced for getting the best shrapnel piece (which Ronnie won in the end). However, there was one moment in the book that was important, and that was when tiger died as that made Ronnie cry not only for Tiger but for Micky, his mum, Arthur, Graham and Harry. Not to forget, he also thought about the people who died in the war, his dad, himself, Mr Missel and Lugs. This part really touched me and I was able to understand the pain Robbie Smith felt too. This book was quite good but I understand why it’s on the longlist instead of the shortlist. This book is only for people liking the war environment and times. Honestly, this book doesn’t compete with a few of the other books I have read. For this reason, I rate this 6/10.

Ihsan K

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The story focuses on the "home front," where children, including Ronnie and his best friend Lugs, compete to collect the best pieces of "shrapnel" (bomb fragments) after nightly air raids.When a manipulative man named Johnny Simmons charms his way into their home to build an Anderson shelter, Ronnie recognizes him as an untrustworthy person. Ronnie’s younger brother, Micky, is quickly swayed by Johnny’s promises of money and a bike, drawing him into dangerous, potentially traitorous "odd jobs". As London suffers under the Blitz, Ronnie is determined to protect Micky and expose Johnny, who is revealed to have ties to the British Union of Fascists. I like this book because it explores friendship and loyalty and portrays history through children.

Patrick J

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I liked the character development and the storytelling/plot of the story. I didn't like the pacing.

Noah

HGCSC Library

Stealing Happy - Book Review I would highly recommend this title to anybody who has a deep sense of humour, who enjoys problem-solving, and for those who give adoration for drama. Sonny, the main character in this book has Tourette’s, which the author has done to add a sense of humour to the story amongst the hardest of times. His mother is in a bad state financially, and his father is suffering from the effects of COVID-19. This modernised novel shows that no matter if you are disabled, in this case with Tourette’s, anything is possible, even for the greater good. I would rate this a 4/5 on the Likert because this made me smile all the way from beginning to end. To the next person who reads this book after me, have fun!

Ben

The Next Chapter

I THOROUHLY ENJOYED READING THIS PURELY EXCEPTIONAL NOVEL BECAUSE OF SO MANY DIFFERENT REASONS. ONE BEING THAT THE STORY BRINGS A DEEP FEELING OF UNCERTAINTY AND HUMAN SENSE. THE AUTHOR DISPLAYED THIS PERFECTLY THROUGH THE STRONG USE OF EMOTIVE LANGUAGE THROUGH CERTAIN PARTS OF THE BOOK WHICH TELL HARD TIMES WITHIN THE STORY AND THAT GIVEN THIS BOOK WAS SET IN THE DISTRESSING NATURE OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR AS WE KNOW IT, THE BOOK GIVES SOME UNDERSTANDING AND POSSIBLY SOME THOUGHT TO READERS ABOUT WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO THE FORSAKEN CITIZENS OF GREAT BRITAIN IN ONE OF THE HARDEST TIMES SINCE THE GREAT WAR THAT OUR PREDECESSORS HAVE EXPERIENCED AND THAT THINGS WEREN’T AS EASY AND FREE AS THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN. PERSONALLY, I LIKE THIS NOVEL BECAUSE I AM SORT OF WAR AND HISTORICAL PERSON, AS WELL AS NON-FICTION (DEPENDING ON WHAT THE BASELINE OOIF THE STORY IS), AND THIS VERY NEATLY FITS INTO MY PREFERENCES. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERSESTED INTO WAR NOVELS AND MYSTERY. I WOULD GIVE 5 STARS FOR THIS TITLE

Ben

The Next Chapter

An amazing perspective of WWII, a good way to shift the main issue and show issues of the time period other than the war.

Hollie

Rad readers

Very engaging and hard to put down. Finished very quickly, because I cared for the characters so much.

Elly

Rad readers