Betrayal and suspicion in a time of war …
First World War adventure ‘My Family the Enemy’, written by Karen McCombie, is set in London and follows the story of Fred, the 10-year-old son of a local baker. Fred’s ordinary, happy life changes when Britain declares war against Germany in 1914, and suddenly his father is taken away by the police for the crime of being German-born. Fred’s father is interned in Alexandra Palace, along with thousands of other men, and while he’s locked away, Fred and his family are treated with suspicion and hostility by friends, neighbours and classmates.
Two historic north London buildings were important to this story: the iconic Victorian Alexandra Palace and 200-year-old Dunns Bakery, which the author used as inspiration for Fred’s family’s baker’s shop.
Writing challenge: think of a building in your area, or that your family has a connection to, and write a story set around it.
Free teaching resource
About the book
London, 1914. Fred Müller‘s life is turned upside down when his dad is taken away by the police – suddenly his family are the enemy because of where they come from. A thrilling coming of age tale about World War One, perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay.
Fred Müller is very popular at school – his mum and dad have a baker’s shop, so he always has lots of great cakes and sweet treats to share amongst his friends! But it’s 1914 and war with Germany is looming. The newspapers are crammed full of stories about German citizens being spies. Out of the blue, the baker’s shop window is smashed and suddenly Fred’s family are being treated as the enemy.
Things soon move from bad to worse, when Fred’s father is taken and interned in the nearby Alexandra Palace. Money is running out, and people of German heritage are told they should be “sent home”. But Britain is home to Fred and his family. Is everyone against them, or can Fred and his mother find glimmers of kindness and hope in these terrible times?
Based on historical events, this beautiful tale is perfect to explore themes of refuge, kindness and empathy with children aged 9+, from one of the UK’s most beloved children’s authors, Karen McCombie.
About the author
Karen McCombie is the Scottish-born author of over 100 novels, including the best-selling series ‘Ally’s World’, which debuted in the early 2000s. Originally from Aberdeen, she currently lives and writes in North London.
Before her career as a full-time children’s author, McCombie worked extensively in teen magazine journalism. She held various roles, including fashion editor, features writer, and sub-editor, for popular titles such as J17 and Sugar. Her first foray into book writing began after she started submitting short fiction for Sugar. She continues to write prolifically and lives with her husband, grown-up child, a cat, and a dog.
Time Tunnellers 