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Writer's picturerhiannonraven

The Dragonfly Pool by Eva Ibboston

Updated: Jan 7, 2022


The second world war is picking up speed in Tally's little town in England. Many children are being sent away from their families for evacuation, but Tally's father and Aunts don't want her leaving the country. Instead, they manage to get her a scholarship to a well-known boarding school called Delderton. Tally is dreading having to leave for a snooty boarding school. She knows all about them from her rich cousins and to Tally, the uniforms and classes sound horrible. She is in for a big surprise, though, when she realizes what kind of a school Delderton really is. Delderton is a free school where children can play and discover themselves. With epic field trips, nighttime biology lessons, and even befriending princes, this thrilling and heartwarming book is sure to delight everyone who reads it.


AGE RANGE INTERMEDIATE


THEMES

Boarding School

Friends

Family

Royalty

England

World War II


OVERALL RATING 10/10

The Dragonfly Pool is actually my favourite middle grade book that I have ever read, and it has been since I was about nine. From the light and funny way it is written to the serious and deep conversations it scripts to the beautiful landscapes it depicts, it is a wonderful book. My only issue with it is that some of the villains don't have realistic personalities.

PROS

Realistic kids

Unique setting

Exciting

Funny

Short-ish chapters

Beautiful scenery


CONS

Some of the villains have very unrealistic personalities and are not at all redeemable

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