Most Popular Books by Paul Dowswell

When Peter''s parents are killed, he is sent to an orphanage in Warsaw. Then German soldiers take him away to be measured and assessed. They decide that Peter is racially valuable. He is Volksdeutscher: of German blood. With his blond hair, blue eyes, and acceptably proportioned head, he looks just like the boy on the Hitler-Jugend poster. Someone important will want to adopt Peter. They do. Professor Kaltenbach is very pleased to welcome such a fine Aryan specimen to his household. People will be envious. But Peter is not quite the specimen they think. He is forming his own ideas about what he is seeing, what he is told. Peter doesn''t want to be a Nazi, and so he is going to take a very dangerous risk. The most dangerous risk he could possibly choose to take in Berlin in 1943.

Set during the final 24 hours before the armistice at 11 a.m. on 11th November 1918, the story follows a German storm trooper, an American airman and a British Tommy. Their destinies converge during the death throes of the first ever conflict to spread across the globe. War becomes incredibly personal as nationality and geography cease to matter to each of these teenagers on the Western Front, and friendship becomes the defining aspect of their encounter. But who will live and who will die before the end of the day?

ONE IN FIVE NEVER RETURNED. Every boy dreams of flying, but in war that dream can turn into a nightmare. Harry Friedman is the gunner of the Macey May, an American Flying Fortress stationed in East Anglia. The Second World War is raging and the Nazis have swept over Europe. The crews of every Flying Fortress face terrible odds on their bombing missions. To make it through alive, Harry will need luck on his side and courage ... Courage to keep going when he has watched close friends die. Courage to confront a terrible evil. And the courage to make it home from deep behind enemy lines. Nail-biting tension and compelling storytelling combine with Dowswell''s meticulous research to deliver a page-turner for fans of John Boyne, Morris Gleitzman and Marcus Zusak.

Twelve thrilling true stories of the Second World War. Includes real life tales of epic naval battles, monumental battles and duels between solitary snipers for control of Stalingrad amongst other tales of bravery and heroism. Stories are illustrated with maps and line drawings and there are notes on sources and ideas for further reading. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

When Lukas Declercq is orphaned, his uncle summons him to Prague, a refuge for Europe''s greatest alchemists and natural philosophers, offering to take him on as an apprentice. Uncle Anselmus is court physician to Rudolph II, the reclusive and unstable Emperor. He is also curator of Rudolph''s bizarre Cabinet of Curiosities, a series of vast rooms stuffed with wonders and scientific marvels such as a nail from Noah''s Ark, phoenix feathers and monstrous freaks of nature, which fascinate Lukas. As Rudolph retreats further into his fantasy world, the threat of rebellion hangs in the air. Dorantes, a diplomat from Spain, comes with his daughter, Celestina, on a mission from Philip II to persuade Rudolph to give up his heretical ways. But he discovers the court is full of diplomats who have been waiting months or years for an audience with the Emperor. Dorantes notices how some had wormed their way into the Emperor''s favour by presenting him with fantastic gifts for his Cabinet, and sets about creating a device that he says will stop time. But it works only in the presence of the Emperor. Lukas knows the terrible truth behind Dorantes''s mission. But sinister forces have plans for Lukas too, and before he can thwart the plot against the Emperor, Lukas must gamble on Celestina''s loyalty in order to save his own life.

It is July 1945, Hitler''s Third Reich has fallen, and Berlin is in ruins. Living on the edge of survival in the cellar of an abandoned hospital, Otto and his ragtag gang of kids have banded together in the desperate, bombed-out city. The war may be over, but danger lurks in the shadows of the wreckage as Otto and his friends find themselves caught between invading armies, ruthless rival gangs and a strange Nazi war criminal who stalks them ... A climactic story of truth, friendship and survival against the odds, Wolf Children will thrill readers of Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne.

Ten thrilling stories of the First World War. Contains eye-witness accounts of some of World War One''s most important events, from the epic naval battle of Jutland to the strange Christmas truce of 1914. Stories are illustrated with maps and line drawings and there are notes on sources and ideas for further reading. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Thirteen-year-old Sam endures harsh conditions, battles, and a shipwreck after being pressed into service aboard the HMS Miranda during the Napoleonic Wars.

Is there really such a thing as a true ghost story? The strange tales in this book are all based on actual reports by people who believed they had been haunted by ghosts or poltergeists. Stories are illustrated with maps and diagrams. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

A collection of moving stories from the First and Second World War published in association with the Imperial War Museum. These twenty-two stories recount some of the most heroic, devastating and pivotal moments of the World Wars providing young readers with an insight into the human stories behind the conflicts. "A truly moving collection of tales. From spies and secret plots to snipers and zeppelin raids, it brings history alive with real heroes." - tbk Magazine

Detailed maps, primary sources, and stunning photographs bring alive pivotal days that literally changed the course of history. Readers learn about the detailed background and the consequences of these earthshaking events. Intriguing first-person accounts and fascinating details included in each book help readers understand these important events in contemporary history.

This high-drama account of the Russian Revolution starts by looking at events leading up to 25 October 1917 - when the old order in Russia was replaced by a new Communist one. It then focuses in on the actual day, dramatically telling the story of the revolution in a minute-by-minute account. The book finishes by looking at how the Bolsheviks, once in power, gained control of this vast sprawling country, before looking at the revolution''s impact on the rest of the world. Moment-in-time boxes, describing eye-witness accounts, give a sense of drama and immediacy to the book.

From shark attacks and blazing airships to exploding spacecraft and sinking submarines, these are real stories of people who have stared death in the face and lived to tell the tale.

Alex lives in East Berlin. The cold war is raging and he and his family are forbidden to leave. But the longer he stays the more danger he is in. Alex is no longer pretending to be a model East German, and the Stasi has noticed. They are watching him. Alex is told that further education will be blocked to him. His summer job is mysteriously cancelled, and friends begin avoiding him. His parents start to realise that leaving the East may be the only option left to them, but getting across the Wall is practically impossible. And even if Alex and his family make it to the other side, will they be able to escape the reach of the Stasi? This is a tense, page-turning thriller that builds towards a terrifying showdown as powerful forces from the East and West converge. One false move will change everything for Alex and his family, for ever.

After being framed for cowardice in a sea battle, thirteen-year-old Sam and his friend Richard are sent to Australia, where they must fight for their lives in the outback.

Thirteen thrilling true stories of courage and heroism. From firefighters battling a blazing nuclear reactor, to a helicopter rescue team on board a fast sinking ship and one housewife''s brave defiance of the Gestapo, this book contains inspiring tales of extraordinary courage from everyday people. A gripping and engaging collection of amazing real life stories, perfect for readers who prefer fact to fiction.

Examines the changes in weapons and tactics that impacted the way war was waged during World War I.

Through detailed, real-life case studies, this series presents the history, theory, and practical application of crime solving through the use of forensics. Features include eyewitness testimony and step-by-step descriptions of techniques used in case studies.

Presents a number of illustrated photographs and interesting facts and figures about military aircraft including early fighters and bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, biplanes and triplanes, World War Two fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and Japanese Zero, and the various types of helicopters designed after the war.

Thrilling historical adventure set during the English peasants'' revolt of 1381, by Paul Dowswell, the author of Ausländer, and Wolf Children. It''s 1381 and the king, Richard II, has imposed a new tax on the people. In the village of Aylesford, Tilda and her ploughman father were already struggling to make ends meet. As serfs they have no rights to move freely or earn wages for their work. Tilda is desperate for a better life than the village can offer, so when the villagers begin to rebel she is swept up in the excitement. Tilda and her father travel to London with the others to petition the king, but the peaceful rebellion they hoped for soon ignites into violence, mayhem and treachery. Tilda''s fight for a better life is only just beginning... This page-turning adventure sheds new light on a period of history which is covered in the KS3 curriculum, and will have readers gripped from start to finish.

Ten thrilling true stories of spies and espionage. Contains tales of stealth and deception, each every bit as daring and glamorous as the fictional escapades of James Bond, but far more deadly as the real life spies risk capture, torture and execution for their trade. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Examining key events of the 20th century, each title in this series outlines the lead-up and aftermath, explores the issues, and introduces leaders and key figures. Titles of useful websites and further reading recommendations are given.

A humorous tabloid-style summary of the news from Ancient Rome.

Eight thrilling true stories of daring escapes. Contains tales of breakouts from infamous institutions such as Alcatraz and Devil''s Island, and the risks the prisoners faced afterwards, including savage dogs, armed guards and shark-infested waters. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Russia, 1940. Fifteen-year-old Misha''s life is about to transform when his father is offered a job in Stalin''s inner circle. They move into a luxurious apartment in the Kremlin, but doubts about the glorious new Russia quickly surface. Misha realises that the secret police can do whatever they like. His own mother is arrested and sent to prison, but Misha and his father daren''t complain. Then as German troops advance on Moscow, the atmosphere in the Kremlin ignites. Misha and a friend find themselves at the heart of a battle against the mighty state in this powerful evocation of one of the most turbulent places and periods of the 20th century, told by a master storyteller.

Explains how some of today''s medical tools were invented, discussing who performed the first vaccinations, why animals were used in early blood transfusions, how electron microscopes work, and other related topics.

Sam escapes death in Australia when the truth about his false conviction is finally revealed. But on the journey back to England he faces pirates and a terrible storm, before making the longed-for trip back up the River Thames. Finally reunited with his family in Norfolk, Sam realises how much life at sea has become part of him. So when he hears that Napoleon plans to attack England, he is tempted to join the Navy once more, and finds himself Midshipman on none other than the Victory, preparing for one of the most epic battles in history- Trafalgar.

A collection of stories about the events during World War II and some of their later results.

Significant historical events sometimes take place over long periods of time; sometimes they can occur in a single day. This high-drama book looks at how, in 24 hours, the explosion in a nuclear power plant in the former Soviet Union would have an impact on subsequent world history.

Stories which tell of the extraordinay tales of men who risked their lives for their freedom.

From shark attacks and blazing airships to exploding spacecraft and sinking submarines, find out what made the difference between life and death in these ten thrilling stories of survival. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

A gripping collection of true stories of exploration and danger over the icy wastelands of Antarctica. Contains true life stories from the fated expedition of Captain Scott to Ernest Shackleton''s epic trek across the snow to save his stranded crew.