September 1939. As the Second World War begins ten-year-old Shirley is sent away ona train with her schoolmates. She doesnt know where shes going or whats going to happen to her when she gets there. All she has been told is that shes going on a little holiday. Shirley is billeted in the country with two boys from East End London Kevin and Archie -and their experiences living in the strange half-empty Red House with the mysterious and reclusive Mrs Waverley will change their lives for ever. Award-winning bestselling and beloved author Jacqueline Wilson turns to this period of history for the first time in this beautiful moving story of friendship and bravery against the backdrop of the worst conflict the world has ever known.