By Karen Mccombie (author)
"A gripping and memorable novel providing new insight into life during WWI."
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
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January 2026 Book of the Month
Karen McCombie’s new historical novel gives readers a unique perspective on World War One. Fred and his family have lived in North London, in the shadow of Alexandra Palace, since before he was born. Müller’s Bakery, his father’s business, is very popular with locals, their Tottenham cakes a particular treat. But everything changes in 1914.
When war breaks out with Germany, their neighbours look differently on the Müllers, even though Fred’s father moved to this country from Germany when he was a very little boy, and Fred and his sister Lil have never been there at all.
Fred can’t believe it, and readers will be just as shocked, when his father is deemed an enemy alien and interned – aka imprisoned – in Ally Pally with thousands of others of German heritage.
Told through Fred’s journals, as read by modern day Jack, Fred’s great-grandson, the sense of unfairness, of fellow citizens’ prejudice and suspicion, is very powerful. Fred’s friends include a girl whose family are Hungarian, and another whose family are Quakers, and therefore pacifists, and they suffer too, but we feel Fred’s confusion when his best friend at school turns against him very sharply indeed.
The story tells us a great deal about what families like Fred’s endured, but all the characters, leading and minor, are fully realised in McCombie’s skilful narrative, giving us a memorable picture of ordinary working-class life in those terrible years. Like Karen and her characters, I pass Alexandra Palace nearly every day, and I’ve gained a new perspective on a much-loved landmark.
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.
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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.
'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
'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.' - Fleur Hitchcock, 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...Such a satisfying ending, too!' - Helen Peters, award-winning children's author
Karen McCombie is the bestselling author of over 90 books for children and teenagers including the Carnegie Medal-nominated Little Bird Flies , How to be a Human , and series St Grizzle's School for Girls and Indie Kidd . Karen is also the author of the bestselling and much-loved series Ally's World .
Originally from Scotland, she now lives in London with her family who all give her inspiration for her books, whether they like it or not.
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The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed My Family the Enemy and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
My Family the Enemy features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Historical Fiction, Warfare & Battles, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: General interest
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
My Family the Enemy was written by Karen Mccombie and published by Bloomsbury Education an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)
My Family the Enemy has 256 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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