Daisy and the Unknown Warrior

It is 1920, the war has been over for two years, its ending marked by the extravagant celebrations when this was announced on 11 November 1911. But for many, including Daisy and her family it is not a happy time. Dad had died in the final action of the war and his body had never been found. Daisy just wants a chance to say goodbye. When Miss Wilkins tells the class that the body of an Unkown British Soldier is being brought back to be buried in Westminster Abbey, Daisy is convinced this will be her father. It is her chance – but how? She has no ticket and the crowds will be enormous. Can she be brave enough?

As the direct memories around World War fade, so the details become less remembered especially when not concerned with the actual warfare. It may surprise young readers today how important the symbol of the Unknown Soldier was and the reason for the tomb in Westminster Abbey. Tony Bradman brings this moment in history alive. It is not a fast moving adventure; rather Bradman sets his story in the family, in the everyday life of Daisy and her brothers ensuring that his young audience will recognise and engage with Daisy; they will walk in her shoes. In the familiar concise Barrington Stoke format Bradman manages to include background facts that flesh out the period. Thoroughly enjoyable this is a history lesson without the pain.