Parents' Guide to

Across a War-Tossed Sea

By Sally Engelfried, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Interesting story of British brothers in U.S. during WWII.

Across a War-Tossed Sea Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Some readers may think of the brothers in this novel as stereotypical and thus somewhat predictable English schoolboys. Charles is "jolly good" at sports, tries to have a "stiff upper lip" at all times, and has no trouble fitting in easily with the American family the boys are staying with (think Cedric Diggory of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire). Younger brother Wesley, who's bookish and sensitive, has a harder time and misses Mummy (think Neville Longbottom). The brothers each deal with missing their family and homeland in ways that fit their personality, and each eventually grows from his experience away from home.

The story sometimes seems too filled with long expositions that are clearly meant to teach rather than carry the story forward, but this book will fascinate anyone with an interest in World War II, and the comparison of the British and American perspectives is particularly thought provoking. Although it's advertised as a "companion" to L.M Elliott's Under a War-Torn Sky (2001), the only link seems to be that both books are about World War II.

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate