Jacob Todd is abroad on his own for the first time, visiting his grandfather's grave at the annual commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem in Amsterdam. There, he meets Geertrui, a terminally ill old lady, who tells an extraordinary story of love and betrayal, which completely overturns Jacob's view of himself and his country, and leads him to question his place in the world. Jacob's story is paralled in time by the events of the dramatic day in World War II when retreating troops were shelt...

William resents going on a 'boring' holiday to Wales, but while there he is let into a big secret by Gwyn, a local boy. Gwyn has found a seal pup and has it hidden in a cave. He makes William promise never to tell anyone about it, and plans to breed it on a farm. William is determined to let it go free, and 'borrows' a leaky dinghy to take it out to sea. The story ends with an exciting rescue.

**WINNER OF THE MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD • WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL • A truly moving and memorable young adult historical fiction novel filled with poignant revelations and unexpected connections.“Moving and multilayered . . . this novel is beautifully written, emotionally touching, and intellectually challenging.”—VOYA**Jacob Todd is about to discover himself.Seventeen-year-old Jacob’s plan is to go to Amsterdam to explore the city and honor his grandfa...

I saw a face, bloated, much larger than any face I'd ever seen before. It hung in the air above me, and there was no sign of a body, just the swollen truncated head. The eyes were sunk deep into their sockets. Thick stringy hair fell in tangled knots from the crown of the skull. The skin on the face was blotched with festering patches, as though it had been violently bruised. The lips were drawn wide and taut across the mouth, revealing the teeth and gums so that the head seemed to grin in...