Most Popular Books by Paul Dowswell

A chilling and thought-provoking story of a Polish orphan who refuses to conform to the Hitler Youth

A nail-biting thriller about a boy who escapes East Berlin, but not the reach of the Stasi - chilling, page-turning junior le Carré

ONE IN FIVE NEVER RETURNED. Every boy dreams of flying, but in war that dream can turn into a nightmare. Harry Friedman is the gunner of the Macey May, an American Flying Fortress stationed in East Anglia. The Second World War is raging and the Nazis have swept over Europe. The crews of every Flying Fortress face terrible odds on their bombing missions. To make it through alive, Harry will need luck on his side and courage ... Courage to keep going when he has watched close friends die. Courage to confront a terrible evil. And the courage to make it home from deep behind enemy lines. Nail-biting tension and compelling storytelling combine with Dowswell''s meticulous research to deliver a page-turner for fans of John Boyne, Morris Gleitzman and Marcus Zusak.

Twelve thrilling true stories of the Second World War. Includes real life tales of epic naval battles, monumental battles and duels between solitary snipers for control of Stalingrad amongst other tales of bravery and heroism. Stories are illustrated with maps and line drawings and there are notes on sources and ideas for further reading. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

In the exciting tradition of Patrick O''Brian comes the saga of one boy''s life in the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Thirteen-year-old Sam Witchall had always dreamed of a sailor''s life, but he didn''t realize how dangerous and gruesome life at sea could be until he is pressed into service aboard H.M.S. Miranda. Beginning his naval career as a "powder monkey"-assistant to a gun crew on the warship-Sam learns the hard way how to cope with enemies both in battle and on the Miranda herself. With enough conflict, storms, and shipwrecks to thrill any fan of the Master and Commander series, this epic tale introduces a new generation to this exciting historical period, when even a lowly powder monkey could become a hero. Recognition Powder Monkey has been named a NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. Reviews "Readers will be absorbed in the day-to-day life of young Sam, and his vivid tale will keep them on edge as he tries to escape his commission. . . . Not for the faint of heart, this novel is a brilliant introduction to the likes of C. S. Forester''s classic ''Horatio Hornblower'' [ saga." -School Library Journal "Readers who prefer their decks awash in blood ''and worse'' will not be disappointed. . . . Voracious fans of the nautical genre will happily sign on." -Kirkus Reviews "Fans of the Master and Commander series or movie will enjoy this seafaring adventure. Sam is an engaging narrator who includes tremendous detail about life aboard ships: Maggots in food, lavatory facilities (or lack thereof), floggings, and gruesome deaths-both in and out of battle--are described in vivid detail." -Voice of Youth Advocates "Sail with young Sam Witchall on a ship of the British navy. Pressed into service, Sam leads an exciting and dangerous life as a powder monkey, handling gunpowder for the cannons, and surviving sea battles, storms and shipwrecks. A gripping adventure story on the high

It is July 1945, Hitler''s Third Reich has fallen, and Berlin is in ruins. Living on the edge of survival in the cellar of an abandoned hospital, Otto and his ragtag gang of kids have banded together in the desperate, bombed-out city. The war may be over, but danger lurks in the shadows of the wreckage as Otto and his friends find themselves caught between invading armies, ruthless rival gangs and a strange Nazi war criminal who stalks them ... A climactic story of truth, friendship and survival against the odds, Wolf Children will thrill readers of Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne.

A gripping, fantastical adventure set against the enthralling backdrop of ancient Bohemia

Examines the changes in weapons and tactics that impacted the way war was waged during World War I.

Presents a number of illustrated photographs and interesting facts and figures about military aircraft including early fighters and bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, biplanes and triplanes, World War Two fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and Japanese Zero, and the various types of helicopters designed after the war.

In March 1801, a mere six weeks after Sam Witchall''s ship wrecked off the Cornish coast, his hopes for getting home are dashed when he is framed for theft and sent to Australia for punishment. The fifteen-thousand mile, eight-month journey is a hard and horrible one, and when he and his good friend Richard finally arrive, they find themselves fighting for their lives in the Australian bush. This epic sequel to Powder Monkey is every bit as exciting and action packed as its predecessor. "Adventure fans will not be disappointed with the daring rescues, shark attacks, espionage, and heated battles that fill the pages of this historically accurate and vastly entertaining sequel." -School Library Journal

A collection of moving stories from the First and Second World War published in association with the Imperial War Museum. These twenty-two stories recount some of the most heroic, devastating and pivotal moments of the World Wars providing young readers with an insight into the human stories behind the conflicts. "A truly moving collection of tales. From spies and secret plots to snipers and zeppelin raids, it brings history alive with real heroes." - tbk Magazine

Ten thrilling stories of the First World War. Contains eye-witness accounts of some of World War One''s most important events, from the epic naval battle of Jutland to the strange Christmas truce of 1914. Stories are illustrated with maps and line drawings and there are notes on sources and ideas for further reading. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Russia, 1940. Fifteen-year-old Misha''s life is about to transform when his father is offered a job in Stalin''s inner circle. They move into a luxurious apartment in the Kremlin, but doubts about the glorious new Russia quickly surface. Misha realises that the secret police can do whatever they like. His own mother is arrested and sent to prison, but Misha and his father daren''t complain. Then as German troops advance on Moscow, the atmosphere in the Kremlin ignites. Misha and a friend find themselves at the heart of a battle against the mighty state in this powerful evocation of one of the most turbulent places and periods of the 20th century, told by a master storyteller.

Discusses some famous murder cases and how forensic science techniques were used to solve them.

Thrilling historical adventure set during the English peasants'' revolt of 1381, by Paul Dowswell, the author of Ausländer, and Wolf Children. It''s 1381 and the king, Richard II, has imposed a new tax on the people. In the village of Aylesford, Tilda and her ploughman father were already struggling to make ends meet. As serfs they have no rights to move freely or earn wages for their work. Tilda is desperate for a better life than the village can offer, so when the villagers begin to rebel she is swept up in the excitement. Tilda and her father travel to London with the others to petition the king, but the peaceful rebellion they hoped for soon ignites into violence, mayhem and treachery. Tilda''s fight for a better life is only just beginning... This page-turning adventure sheds new light on a period of history which is covered in the KS3 curriculum, and will have readers gripped from start to finish.

Thirteen thrilling true stories of courage and heroism. From firefighters battling a blazing nuclear reactor, to a helicopter rescue team on board a fast sinking ship and one housewife''s brave defiance of the Gestapo, this book contains inspiring tales of extraordinary courage from everyday people. A gripping and engaging collection of amazing real life stories, perfect for readers who prefer fact to fiction.

Examines the events of October 25, 1917 when supporters of the Bolshevik Party wrested control of Russia''s national government from the ruling classes, and discusses the causes of the revolution and its effect on the rest of the world.