Across The Divide - Tapa blanda

Anne Booth has great warmth and heart in her writing and it shines through this book, making it a gentle hand-hold through the confusion of war and pacifism. Olivia s current day story is beautifully linked with young people s experiences of enlisting versus conscientious objection in the First World War. Perfect for topic work around war and pacifism and understanding diversity, Across the Divide belongs in every school library. At its heart this is a book about accepting that people have different ideas and opinions and the strength that comes from listening and respecting each other and finding common ground. It is a touching story about listening to your heart, learning to hear both sides of an argument, and creating your own sense of right and wrong. All tough concepts that children have to face and learn for themselves. --Rhino Reads

What an amazing book! Emotionally charged, this gently-told tale tackles big issues: pacifism versus war; stereotyping, the resulting bullying and modern journalism s role in whipping it up & making it better; and the power of protest. It really is a must read! - Miss Cleveland is Reading. Anne cleverly combines current issues regarding peace and conflict and the history of conscientious objectors during World War 1 in a moving portrayal of young people trying to make sense of the world and the decisions made by adults. --The Bookbag

Across the Divide is a contemplative story about war and pacifism, about making a stand and about seeing different viewpoints. Anne Booth has masterfully crafted a narrative that is deeply contemplative with important values at its heart, and one that allows different viewpoints to be heard without directing what the reader should conclude. Olivia arrives at her own verdict and seeks a solution that helps her community to work through its divisions and make progress peacefully without compromising the integrity of those who wish to make a stand for what they believe. Through Olivia's story and her interactions with friends and family, the narrative gently suggests that young people can be powerful in their capabilities to stand up for their beliefs and to be instrumental in bringing about positive change in society. --Books for Topics

Olivia lives with her mum and her grandparents. She has a relatively normal modern family. The opening of a new Army cadets unit causes turmoil both at home and at school. Olivia wants to join, a decision her ex-army grandfather supports, but her pacifist mother is ardently opposed. Her best friend Aiden also disagrees with her decision causing tension in their friendship. When her mum is imprisoned for leading a pacifist protest, Olivia is forced to spend time with her dad who lives on Lindesfarne. The island feels far away and detached from the mainland, almost magical. And even William, a young boy she meets there seems different... Is her mum ever going to be released? And what will Olivia do with her Future?