20th Century | england-history

The Flither Pickers by Theresa Tomlinson (1901)

Set on the North Sea coast during the Victorian era. This story focuses on the women, the "flither pickers" or "bait gatherers," who depended on the sea for their life-line. Living with the constant threat of death because the sea is a harsh force to contend with, these women show their bravery and fortitude by launching a lifeboat when all the men of the village are out at sea. An event based on a real-life incident.

No Moon by Irene Watts (1902-1913)

Set in London, England. Fourteen-year-old Louisa is nursemaid to the two children of a wealthy family and loves her job, but endures the ill treatment dished out to her by the children's strict Nanny Mackintosh. The family decides to sail on the maiden voyage of the ocean liner Titanic, and circumstances dictate that Louisa must accompany the family as the children's nanny. However, Louisa struggles with the memory of her two year old brother's accidental drowning when Louisa was just five years old---a drowning that she blames herself for. Excellent historical content of the class system in Victorian England; and accurate historical detail of the Titanic's size, capacity, and the interior of the ship especially the decor of first class.

Then the Zeppelins Came by Dorothy Horgan (1909-1918)

This story is about two girls growing up in Edwardian London. Their childhood years are full of fun and adventure; but as they grow older and the war years approach, they, like all other Londoners have to face the horror of German Zeppelins bombing their city. Based on reminiscences of the author's mother and grandmother.

Finding Sophie by Irene N. Watts (1938-1945)

Seven-year-old Sophie, whose father is Jewish, must leave Germany on the first Kindertransport in order to be saved from the Nazis who are rounding up all the Jewish people. Once in London, she is taken in by a dear woman whom she begins to call her Aunt Em. Sophie quickly learns to adjust to her new life, and during the next six-and-a-half years, she even begins to stop thinking of the parents she left behind in Germany. But when the war comes to an end, she must make a very personal decision–-what will she do now?

In Spite of All Terror by Hester Burton (1939-1940)

Set in England. A story about the experiences of a fifteen-year-old girl at the onset of WWII. Scenes of Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain are vividly portrayed in this story. Based on real events and real people.

Ellen's Secret by Jean Booker (early 1940s)

Set in Morpeth, northern England. A twelve-year-old girl struggles with her secrets: she's failing in math, she's taken one of the pet rabbits home from school, and she's even discovered a German parachute when she was sneaking around the Home Guard. This latest episode brings her to an important decision.

All The Children Were Sent Away by Sheila Garrigue (1940)
The story starts out in Peterstone, England. An eight-year-old girl named Sara is being sent away to Canada with hundreds of other children aboard the H.M.S. Duke of Perth. She is distraught at leaving her parents but realizes that it is necessary after the Germans drop a bomb on their neighbourhood church. Her guardian aboard the ship, Lady Drume, is very strict and snobbish; Sara does her best not to let her guardian get the best of her. Sara also meets and makes friends with two Cockney children whom Lady Drume disapproves of. Then one day a torpedo hits the ship and the story takes a sharp turn. Based on the author's experiences of June-July 1940.

The Dolphin Crossing by Jill Paton Walsh (1940)
Seventeen-year-old John and his friend, Pat, defy the dangers involved when they take John’s father’s boat across the English Channel to the port of Dunkirk where thousands upon thousands of soldiers and Frenchmen are stranded on the beaches being strafed and bombed by German planes. The boys know that they may not return, but nonetheless, the ability to do something rather than just sit and wait in fear, outweighs the inevitable risks that lie before them.

The Sky is Falling by Kit Pearson (1940)
Ten-year-old Norah and her five-year-old brother Gavin are being evacuated along with hundreds of other children from England. This story focuses on their trip overseas to Canada, and their settling into a temporary home in Toronto, Ontario. Also sequels Looking at the Moon and The Lights Go On Again but set in Canada.

Sea of Peril by Elizabeth Hawkins (1940)
Based on a true story, this marine disaster is about the torpedoing of the English ship Benares. Amongst its passengers are ninety children that are being evacuated from the bombed cities of Britain and being sent to Canada to board with families for the duration of the war. Eleven-year-old Jimmy and a handful of other children, as well as some crew members and adult passengers are adrift in the stormy waters of the Atlantic. As each day passes, it becomes a test of survival and time is running out.

Tails of Flame by Gerald Holt (1940-1944)
Set in England. A young boy whose father is missing in action somewhere in Europe experiences the horror of the V-bombs as he spends his nights huddled in bomb shelters. Then he moves to the quieter countryside where he meets a Canadian pilot.

The Great Gale by Hester Burton (1953)

Set on the Norfolk coast of England. This story is based on the flood that swept across Scotland and northeastern England. Two children named Mark and Mary are alone in their house when the flood comes sweeping into their village. Together they set out in a rowboat to rescue an elderly couple who live in a cottage by the shore.

Historical Fiction of England