‘Zinc is perfect for years 6&7, secrecy,
bravery and cracking codes’
Alexandra Park School, librarian.
'It was fantastic to have Sue visit our school. She was so knowledgeable about WW2, and she was able to talk about the experiences her family had had during this time, which was extremely valuable for the children. They loved this workshop, and still talk about it now. Sue even brought in artefacts for the children, and they were absolutely amazed. This is a subject in which this year 6 class take a particular interest, and this workshop was the perfect addition to our unit of work. Thank you Sue.'
Hollickwood School, year 6 teacher
'Knowing that this is imaginatively based (the Official Secrets Act still prevents full disclosure) on the wartime exploits of @sue_klauber 's father, uncle and aunt makes the story even more extraordinary. A super read, fast paced and adventurous @TroikaBooks'
Fortismere School, librarian
'This pacy story, which will appeal to readers from 10 years upwards, follows the brothers, and Eva, until 1941, telling of their contributions to protecting their adopted country. But it is more than a war story. Through flashbacks to an incident which is sparingly narrated throughout the novel, the relationship between the brothers is explored and gradually, too, through their experiences, the two men, supported and protected by their sister, come to a fuller understanding of what courage means.'
Just Imagine
Illustrated with a PowerPoint of beautiful old photographs, British propoganda posters and more, I explain the working of Bletchley Park and Special Operations Executive through the stories of my father, uncle and aunt. With a short code-breaking exercise, and artefacts chosen from a box, I encourage questions and read from the novels. Zinc fits perfectly with the year 6 curriculum, and Cobalt, its sequel, is more suitable for the early teenage years.
I also give talks to groups of adults as the novels have cross-over appeal due to their subject matter. I live in North London but am prepared to travel - even internationally if the right opportunity came up!
My Instagram @sueklauber provides background material and short films which introduce each character in turn and explain my inspiration for the novels.