This is the story of women who fought during WWI, but not as nurses or ambulance drivers.
In 1917, sixteen-year-old Jean McLain is working as a post-office assistant in England. But when she wins a national Morse code competition, the British army makes a request Jean cannot refuse – to take a secret position as a signaller in France.
If Jean can keep the signals flowing between headquarters and the soldiers at the Front, Britain might possibly win the war.
But the British army is determined to hide its desperation – and will go on to burn every document that showed how women and girls were working behind the scenes, in the trenches and even in battles during World War I.
Decades later, an old woman tells the story of ‘the telegraph girl’: the friends she lost, the man who loved her, and the happiness she so surprisingly found again.
Based on true events, this story of adventure, courage and unshakable loyalty restores women and girls to their place in history that the authorities tried to erase.
Secret Sparrow showcases Jackie French at her finest. She’s one of Australia’s best-loved authors in all categories, for all ages, but her genius truly shines when she’s bringing history to life. French has a way of locating and then teasing out the awe-inspiring stories of everyday heroes from the pages of the past. In this case, her achievement is even more remarkable, because the records of the events she’s describing were deliberately destroyed.
In typical Jackie French style, she’s made this remarkable piece of history wonderfully accessible for young readers. Just reading about the historical context of Secret Sparrow, it might be hard to imagine describing it as a fun adventure for kids, but in French’s hands, this is exactly what it becomes. French never trivialises events, nor sugarcoats them, but rather embeds them in a story tailor-made to grip the imagination of her young readers, full of unforgettable, larger-than-life characters.
Secret Sparrow adopts a dual timeline, flipping between wartime England and France and 1978 Australia. The historical events are framed by the later interaction between Jean as an older woman, and Arjun, a curious boy who finds himself thrown into Jean’s vicinity after a routine trip to the mall takes a very unexpected turn. Flip-flopping between the two timelines keeps the story action-packed and fast-paced, and gives readers two relatable similar-aged protagonists to empathize with.
Educators looking for a story that explores World War I have a lot to draw on in this book that highlights the undersung contributions of young girls in war. French has also provided informative author’s notes at the back for curious kids to explore.
If you’re looking for an exciting story to inspire a young reader, this is a great choice. Secret Sparrow instills a clear message about bravery and resilience – and the importance of always having a block of chocolate to hand. A highly recommended read for ages 12+.
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