BOOK BRIEF

The Machine-Gunners

Robert Westall
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The Machine-Gunners

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1995

Book Brief

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Robert Westall

The Machine-Gunners

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

185

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure

Children`s Literature
Period
World War II
Setting

Northeast England • 1940s

Topic
Military & War

Education

World History
Publication Year

1995

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

The Machine-Gunners by Robert Westall follows a group of children in wartime Britain who discover a crashed German bomber with a working machine gun. The story explores their adventures and challenges as they navigate friendships, fears, and moral dilemmas amidst the backdrop of World War II.

Gritty

Suspenseful

Challenging

Dark

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

3,298 ratings

75%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Machine-Gunners by Robert Westall receives praise for its authentic portrayal of wartime adolescence and vivid characters, delivering a gripping narrative with historical depth. Some critics note a dark tone and intense themes that might not suit all younger readers. Overall, the novel is commended for its evocative storytelling and historical accuracy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Machine-Gunners?

Readers who enjoy The Machine-Gunners by Robert Westall typically appreciate historical fiction, particularly those interested in World War II from a young perspective. Fans of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas or Goodnight Mister Tom would find its coming-of-age themes amidst war captivating.

4.2

3,298 ratings

75%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

185

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure

Children`s Literature
Period
World War II
Setting

Northeast England • 1940s

Topic
Military & War

Education

World History
Publication Year

1995

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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