This work investigates the lived experiences of British children during the Second World War, focusing on how the conflict reshaped their daily existence. Robert Westall, an author known for his historical research, compiles personal accounts and archival materials to document the psychological and physical impact of the Blitz on the youngest generation. The text argues that the war forced an accelerated maturity upon children through constant exposure to danger, evacuation, and the loss of domestic stability.

Historians and educators frequently cite this work as a valuable primary source collection for understanding the civilian experience during the Blitz. Readers often note the accessible nature of the prose, which balances academic rigor with the raw, personal narratives of those who survived the era.