The Kingdom by the Sea

By Robert Westall

Guaradian award winning novel about courage, friendship and war. Reissued into the Essential Modern Classic list.

When a bomb during an air raid destroys Harry's home and kills his family, he knows that he is all alone in the world and has only himself to rely on. Anxious that he will be sent to live with his fussy Cousin Elsie he goes on the run across the war-battered land of North East England, his only friend in his journey a stray dog that he meets on the beach. Will Harry ever find a place to call home again, or will he be on the run forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Jun 24, 2010
• ISBN: 9780007378197

Robert Westall

Robert Westall was born October 1929, in Tynemouth, England. His first book, The Machine Gunners, was published in 1975, for which he won the Carnegie Medal. Amongst many more prizes and accolades, he won the Carnegie for the second time in 1980, with The Scarecrows. He died in 1993.

Reviews for The Kingdom by the Sea

[2wondery_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After reading Blitzcat by the same author, I thought more of his books would be a good thing. I was right! What a great cast of characters. I enjoyed my time with all of them immensely. Gold hearts all around us.

[sycamore_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful story of a young boy separated from his family during a bombing raid. It is well written and keeps the reader wanting more.

[clurb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story of a boy separated from his family after an air-raid is both heart-warming and upsetting in turn. The boy's struggle for survival, and the relationships he builds during his travels are wonderfully written and very touching. I loved this book as a child and I love it even more as an adult.

[whisper1_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful coming of age book regarding a twelve year old Enlgish boy whose house and family were bombed during WWII. While initially traveling alone, he finds a dog and both bond and search for a sense of belonging and a place to call home. Before finding their Kingdom by the Sea, they face many difficult situations.This beautifully written gem is an incredible book. Once again Westall's young adult book deals with very heavy topics and leaves the reader in awe of his ability to search the soul and clearly identify human emotions.

[shanaqui_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I always loved this book, and imagined I would kind of like an adventure like this -- if I knew my parents and sister were safe at home.