The Weather Girls

Reviews / Votes

I loved this story of two best friends Grace and Sibby caught up in all the excitement and tensions of World War Two ... Sarah Webb has not only brilliantly captured life during the Emergency, but the dynamics of friendship between two very different girls. A gripping adventure and a great read! -- Marita Conlon McKenna A stunning tale of friendship, courage and adventure. I was totally engrossed from the first page. Highly recommended -- Patricia Forde, Laureate na nOg Sarah Webb, who threads archived weather reports of the time into her fictional story, offers young readers insights into a period of 20th century Irish history often overshadowed by the First World War and the country's independence struggle ... It is, as ever, human stories that bring history home to later generations, and in one of her most compelling children's novels to date, Webb's tale of bickering best friends provides an illuminating lens through which readers can view Ireland's nuanced Second World War neutrality -- Irish Examiner Young readers will no doubt find great enjoyment in being able to identify with the various trials and tribulations Grace faces along with friends and family. What sets Webb's novel apart is the strong family and friend connections, along with its strong representation of women during the Emergency in Ireland. The dynamic between Grace and her best friend Sibby is easily the most entertaining aspect of this novel, with the author highlighting the difficulty of overcoming jealousy, stubbornness and the ascendence into the trying teenage years through the many misunderstandings that Grace and Sibby have. This novel is short but it packs a punch. A highly recommended read for those who may not have been previously aware of the impact the Blacksod Lighthouse had on the outcome of World War II and why it remains a major tourist attraction for the area -- Childrensbooksireland.ie Inspired by true events this is a thrilling and exciting read -- Armadillo it's inspired by true events ... a great book -- Caroline Busher on Ireland AM Our #BookOfTheDay - and the @BookTrustNI Book of the Month - is the fabulous #TheWeatherGirls from @sarahwebbishere. Based on a true story, this World War II tale is a fantastic read ... This fascinating part of Irish and European history is fictionalised brilliantly - the kind, brave Grace is a normal schoolgirl with friendship worries too -- Booktrust's Book of the Day Female friendship, zippy prose and the historical hindsight of this true-life tale propel Webb's story along -- Irish Times Taking readers back to 1940s Mayo, this novel is inspired by true events, which make it an even more fascinating read. Short, but packing a punch, what sets Webb's novel apart is the strong family and friend connections, along with its strong representation of women during the Emergency in Ireland -- RTEJr Book Club a real story of friendship and bravery -- Elaina Ryan, Children's Books Ireland on RTE Radio 1's Oliver Callan show inspired by true events ... packs a punch -- Children's Books Ireland's Annual Reading Guide 2024