An Eagle in the Snow

What do our readers think of An Eagle in the Snow? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children find the story exciting, moving and thought-provoking, especially its adventure, suspense and difficult moral choices. Some children also find the wartime danger and sad moments intense, but they still describe the book as memorable and worth discussing.

What does the Pageticker team say about An Eagle in the Snow?

An Eagle in the Snow is classic Michael Morpurgo: a gripping wartime adventure, a story within a story and a moral dilemma with no tidy answers. Its compassionate hero, vivid sense of danger and big ‘what if?’ question make it an excellent choice for thoughtful readers aged around 10 and up, though the air raids, loss and wartime suffering may feel intense at times for some.

Genres

What is An Eagle in the Snow about?

In 1940, during a German air raid, Barney and his mother seek refuge in a train tunnel. There, a stranger shares a gripping tale of a young British soldier in World War I who, in a moment of compassion, spares an enemy's life. This act, he later realises, may have allowed Adolf Hitler to survive, leading to World War II. Haunted by his decision, the soldier is determined to set things right before it's too late.

About the author

Michael Morpurgo is a much-loved British author who has written over a hundred books for children. He is best known for his story 'War Horse', which was made into a play and a film. Michael often writes about animals and adventures, inspiring children to imagine exciting worlds and discover the magic of stories.

Discussion ideas around An Eagle in the Snow

Mercy and courage: Why does Billy choose to show mercy to an enemy soldier, and what does this tell us about the kind of person he is?

The weight of a choice: How does Billy’s decision affect the way he sees himself, and do you think he is fair to himself afterwards?

Stories in the dark: Why is the stranger’s story important to Barney and his mother while they are sheltering in the tunnel?

History and ‘what if?’: Can one person really change the course of history, or are large events shaped by many different choices?

Living through war: How do Barney, Billy and the other characters respond differently to fear, loss and danger?