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