The Sky Over Rebecca by Matthew Fox

 

When mysterious footprints appear in the Stockholm snow, ten-year-old Kara must discover where they’ve come from – and who they belong to. The trail of footprints leads Kara to Rebecca, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl, and her younger brother Samuel. Kara realises they are refugees – from another time, World War Two – and are trying to find their way home.

The grief and loneliness that Rebecca and Samuel have endured is something Kara can relate to – feeling like you’re always on the outside looking in – and she finds herself compelled to help them escape. Through her eyes, we rediscover the magic that lies in the world around us, if only we have the courage to look for it.

Kara is a heroine for modern times: fragile but fierce, in this utterly compelling story from a stellar new voice in children’s literature, Matthew Fox.

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First of all; that's not Matthew Fox, the actor. You'll have to decide for yourself whether that's disappointing or not!

Second of all; this is an amazing read. Tender, beautifully written, just the right amount of brain stretching. I've seen people online complaining about 'another WWII story' but that's missing the point; this isn't about the war itself, it's about the bonds that form between people under extraordinary circumstances.

There is one character whose moral compass seems to turn completely around with no explanation at all. I would have liked a little bit more explanation on that, but it reads ok without it.

This is an amazing read. I can't wait to start selling it to people, and discussing the various time loops within! It's absolutely fantastic and I think Mr Fox is going to be a big name in children's books in years to come.

The Sky Over Rebecca publishes on the 14th of April, 2022. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.