If the Invader Comes

With the spectre of a Nazi invasion looming over Britain, three children are forced into an unlikely allyship in this gripping wartime tale from multi-award-winning author Tom Palmer.

“The best defence of Great Britain is the courage of her men and women …"

June 1940 – after the devastating defeat of the British forces at Dunkirk, the terrifying prospect of a Nazi invasion of Britain seems ever more likely. In these dark days, three children whose parents are involved in top-secret war work are brought together in unlikely ally ship, covering for their parents and facing down malicious gossip as they come under suspicion from their local community.

Forced to confront the brutal realities of war as it affects every aspect of their lives, the children find the courage to play their part, rescuing survivors and refugees at sea, and undertaking river patrols to detect German E-boat incursions.

But when it appears that the invader is at their shores, will they be able to pull off the most daring feat of all?

Reviews

"There’s something very comforting and hopeful about a Tom Palmer book. His love of the landscape shines through as he conjures an immersive sense of time and place, and he writes his characters with such compassion that it’s impossible not to love them and to want to spend time with them." — Dan Smith

"With the nation under threat of Nazi invasion, three children are forced to play their heroic part in repelling the enemy in this compelling wartime page-turner from the much-loved author." — Waterstones, The Best Children's Books to Look Out For in May

"Palmer is a master of historical fiction, this stunning new story of real people facing the challenge and terror of war is perfect for fans of War Horse and The Silver Sword." – Lola, Waterstones Deansgate Bookseller

"Full of courage, friendship and tension, it’s a brilliant piece of middle-grade historical fiction that brings the period vividly to life, without ever losing sight of the children at its heart." — Toppsta, Children's Book of the Week

"Meticulously researched and utterly gripping, this new adventure takes readers to Cornwall at the outbreak of war, weaving history, courage, and unforgettable storytelling together in classic Tom Palmer style." — The Book Stop

"Tom Palmer, master of historical fiction for children, is back with another stunning story of real people facing the challenge and terror of war … If the Invader Comes is full of real, raw emotion. Containing scenes of death and destruction, it brings a realism to the curiosity of what happened when Britain was at war." — Scope for Imagination, blog

"As a Y6 teacher, I'm always on the look out for high quality World War II texts … Whenever I see a Tom Palmer book, I know I'm looking at high quality." – Teacher

"Another epic, gripping adventure told in Tom's signature style, capturing incredible characters and stories and delivering them in an engaging and accessible form." – Blogger

About the author

Tom Palmer was a reluctant reader as a child and credits articles about football with getting him into reading. He is now the multi-award-winning author of many books including the acclaimed reboot of the Roy of the Rovers series and the Carnegie Medal longlisted After the War. In 2019 Tom was awarded the National Literacy Trust’s Ruth Rendell Award in recognition of his significant contribution to literacy work in the UK.