The Sky Over Rebecca

A mysterious snow angel in the snow with no footprints leading to or from it leads ten-year-old Kara on a quest to discover how it was made. On an island in the middle of the frozen lake near her home, Kara meets Rebecca, a young Jewish girl, who she comes to realise is from another time. Desperate to escape the Nazis and get her disabled younger brother, Samuel, to safety, Rebecca’s friendship with Kara offers both girls hope.

‘The Sky Over Rebecca’ is a superbly written, sensitive and unique, time-slip story. Set in modern day Sweden where Kara lives, the story flows to World War II and back again as she and Rebecca form a deep connection and bond of friendship.

Kara is used to being alone. Her father left shortly after she was born and although they have a good relationship, her mother works long hours. Kara’s grandfather is an important part of her life, but she knows there is a conversation he wishes to have with her that neither of them wants. In her loneliness, Kara is desperate for companionship and finds true friendship in Rebecca. Matthew Fox captures this sense of isolation perfectly, leading the reader to empathise with Kara as she copes with bullying, loss and loneliness, admiring her courage and determination as she feels compelled to help her new friends.

As time overlaps and spirals, Kara slips between past and present, piecing together Rebecca and Samuel’s story. Hauntingly beautiful, the story reaches its deeply poignant and satisfying conclusion, leading me to shed more than a few tears!

For children interested in, or learning about, WWII, ‘The Sky Over Rebecca’ offers something different, both in content and style. Matthew Fox has a sparse, yet lyrical writing manner which is both refreshing and compelling, suiting this narrative perfectly. I look forward to seeing what he writes next!

The Sky Over Rebecca Matthew Fox

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444966022