My book review of 'Digging for Victory' by Cathy Faulkner

by Cathy Faulkner
Recommended age: 9+
Digging for Victory
by Cathy Faulkner

Bonnie is a 12-year-old girl struggling to cope with the fact that the country is at war and she doesn't know what her role or contribution might be. Her brother is away fighting, she is struggling to find friends and acceptance at school and, though her family lives in a rural community, she isn't excited about learning to grow her own food. Then her parents agree to take on a lodger and Bonnie is concerned that this stranger, Mr Finch might be a conscientious objector. 

Gradually Bonnie gets to know a little more about Mr Finch. It seems that there are lots of ways in which people can help the war effort. Mr Finch, in fact, is maintaining a decoy airfield just over the hill and it is up to Bonnie to first keep his secret and then, when he falls ill, to ensure his work is continued.

It's an amazing story so creatively told through free verse. There's a real momentum so that you just have to keep turning the pages. It's great for young people who might be struggling to read chapter books, but will also appeal to readers who enjoy discovering stories told in different, inventive ways. Brilliant!

Date of this review: February 2024
Book publication date: 4th May 2023