My Family the Enemy

London, 1914. Fred Muller ''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 Muller 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. Soon things are going 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 being 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 an award-winning author of both children's and young adult books. She has written more than 90 children's books and been published worldwide, including Carnegie-nominated Little Bird Flies and its partner novel Little Bird Lands, Victorian adventures set in the Scottish Highlands and 1860s America respectively (Nosy Crow). Born in Scotland, Karen now lives in London with her husband, teenage daughter and West Highland Terrier puppy.

Product details

• Authors: Karen McCombie, McCombie Karen
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 9 to 11
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 09.10.2025
• EAN: 9781801995931
• ISBN: 978-1-80199-593-1
• No. of pages: 256
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; Children's and young people's books > Children's books up to 11 years of age; JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Europe, JUVENILE FICTION / Girls & Women, JUVENILE FICTION / Readers / Chapter Books, Historical fiction (Children's / Teenage), United Kingdom, Great Britain, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction, Family & home stories (Children's / Teenage), Adventure stories (Children's / Teenage), c 1914 to c 1918 (World War One period)