When my friend was clearing out an old storeroom at her workplace, she found a huge number of books tucked away out of sight. Rather than see them thrown out, I kindly offered to adopt them all for BookCrossing.

I'm still not 100% sure what to make of this read. We'd always been taught about evacuees being sent into the country, but I'd never heard of them being sent abroad, so I was fascinated to learn about that. And I can imagine how hard it must have been to move from a booming America to a War-shocked Britain - and this is the main focus of the story as Rusty tries to fit back in.

What I struggled so much with was just how unsympathetic her family is, especially her Mother. In fact, the adults around her are painted as slight morons, which I guess works as a YA book, but some how didn't quite ring true for me.

That said, I enjoyed Rusty's rebellious streak and the way in which she tries again and again to improve her lot. It's all a bit fairy-tale ending, but suited the mode of the novel as a whole.

Overall, a quick, enjoyable read with a few reservations - but the target audience would probably love it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS
Here’s a special box of goodies from one booklover to another. I hope you enjoy reading your books and enjoying the Christmas candy.
HAVE A GREAT FESTIVE SEASON

Thank you so much for my Christmas box of treats which included this book! I have a vague memory I might have read it many years ago but will enjoy (re)reading to find out if I remember it better as I go along!

At Sidcup Station, on the bookshelf in the ticket office