The Book



Whistling in the Dark is set in a suburb of Liverpool during the terrifying winter of 1940-41, where the city suffered constant air raid attacks. Life on the home front could be tough, especially with food rationing and strict curfews, but the community strove to help with the war effort. 

For thirteen-year-old Joan, whose home is under threat from the Nazi’s terrifying nightly air-raids, it is not an easy time to be a teenager. Joan and best friend Doreen love going to the cinema until the bombings intensify and then even that becomes too dangerous, especially when an army deserter is found lurking near their home. Who is he and why does he think Joan can help him?

This book is inspired by Shirley’s own childhood memories of growing up during the Blitz.






Here is a video of Shirley talking about Whistling in the Dark





Cover artwork © 2015 Giordano Poloni, from an original sketch by Shirley Hughes. Website text and video © 2015 Shirley Hughes and Walker Books. 

All rights reserved. Walker Books Limited, 87 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HJ. Registered in England under Company No .1378601