My Family the Enemy

Karen McCombie (Author)

My Family the Enemy

Karen McCombie (Author)

Paperback ~~£7.99~~ £3.99 Ebook (Epub & Mobi) ~~£6.39~~ £3.19

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Description

London, 1914. Fred Müller'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 Müller 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.

Things soon move 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 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.

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Product details

Published	09 Oct 2025
Format	Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition	1st
Pages	256
ISBN	9781801996563
Imprint	Bloomsbury Education
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Karen McCombie

Karen McCombie is an award-winning author of both…

The book is a beautifully paced, straightforward read that tells stories I have never known anything of before. It's a brilliant introduction to WW1, and Fred is a delightful character, easy to relate to, easy to root for. The characters are well drawn, and the world real. Massively recommend.

Fleur Hitchcock, https://www.waterstones.com/books/reviews/isbn/9781801995931#review-403535
An incredibly moving and bittersweet tale of belonging and bravery set in London during WW1. Eye-opening and indignant-making this tale of German/British/Londoner Fred and his family and friends chime (sadly) with so much that's still happening today. Karen McCombie has written an accessible, exciting, tale that's bursting with heart.

Catherine Johnson, Best-selling children's author and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
I love Karen McCombie's writing and this is a fascinating look at a little-known part of our history. I learnt a lot!

Sally Nicholls, Best-selling children's author
Karen McCombie shines an important light on the everyday racism and cruelty meted out not just by the authorities, but by neighbours and supposed friends. Fred and his family's bravery, and the power of love to overcome hate offers a beacon of hope to young readers in our own challenging and conflicted times.

Ally Sherrick, Award-winning children's author
Karen McCombie brilliantly weaves fact and fiction together in this gripping story of one family's experiences in World War One. I was completely drawn into Fred's world, and I learned a lot about the lives of ordinary Londoners during WW1, especially those unfortunate enough to have German heritage. Such a satisfying ending, too! I loved it.

Helen Peters, Author @farmgirlwriter
Exploring themes of patriotism, pacifism, fascism and the perils of stirring up hatred in communities, 'My Family The Enemy'is a timely tale exploring how the slings and arrows of history can shatter ordinary lives and tear apart communities overnight.

Sita Brahmachari, award-winning children's author, Sita Brahmachari, award-winning children's author