And Nothing But The Truth

Nine-year-old Polly moves from rural Ontario to Vancouver with her family during the Second World War. Her beloved father has joined the Air Force, leaving Polly, her mother, and her siblings to stay with relatives on the West Coast. Living with her cousins presents challenges as Polly navigates changing family dynamics and a new school environment. Polly wrestles with telling lies to fit in and gain acceptance, while carrying the weight of missing her father and adjusting to wartime life. The story follows Polly's journey to understanding truth, loyalty, and the complexities of growing up in uncertain times. Through her experiences with family, friends, and her own choices, she learns about honesty and its consequences. This coming-of-age novel explores themes of integrity and self-discovery against the backdrop of 1940s Canada. The intersection of personal and historical upheaval shapes a narrative about finding one's moral compass during times of change.

Readers connect with the authentic portrayal of post-war Canadian life and relatable family dynamics. Parents appreciate the book's handling of difficult topics like divorce and family secrets in a manner suitable for young readers aged 10-14. Key praise focuses on: - The protagonist Polly's complex emotions and growth - Historical accuracy of 1950s Vancouver setting - Balanced representation of both parent perspectives - Clear writing style that engages middle-grade readers Common criticisms include: - Slow pacing in early chapters - Predictable resolution - Limited appeal beyond the target age group Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (382 ratings) Amazon.ca: 4.2/5 (16 ratings) Reader quotes: "Captures exactly how it feels to discover family secrets as a child" - Goodreads reviewer "The historical details feel natural, not forced" - Amazon reviewer "Too much build-up for a rushed ending" - Goodreads reviewer

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📚 Kit Pearson spent three years researching and writing this book, which included interviewing many people who lived through World War II in Canada. 🌟 The book explores the real-life historical context of British "war guests" - children who were evacuated to Canada during WWII to escape the dangers in Britain. ✈️ Between 1939 and 1940, nearly 3,000 British children were sent to live with Canadian families through the Children's Overseas Reception Board (CORB). 🏆 Kit Pearson has won multiple awards for her children's literature, including the Governor General's Award for Children's Literature and the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year Award. 💌 The book touches on themes of identity and belonging, as many evacuee children struggled with feeling caught between two countries and cultures during and after the war.