Ruby Glass, aged 10, is queen of her little world. But it’s July 1940 and the world is at war. Evacuated from her home in East Belfast to the County Down countryside, Ruby learns that life can be tough for everyone, even her.

Beginning the new term at Millisle Primary School, Ruby meets Jewish refugee children from Germany and Austria, who have come as part of the Kindertransport. Although initially Ruby doesn’t want to make friends, she gradually learns more about their stories by visiting Ballyrolly Farm with her Uncle. She forms a close friendship with Gretl Spiegel, a Berlin girl with whom she has a lot in common.

Later, Ruby returns to Belfast, hoping to return to her family, only to find that the Blitz on Belfast has destroyed her neighbourhood. There follows a desperate mission to find her sister and parents, leading her back out of Belfast to Bangor, where her Granny lives. Eventually the family are reunited, but with no home to go back to.

Ruby’s journey through the story teaches her about the importance of family and friendship. It also shows that immigration and displacement of people are not new phenomena.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ BlacknBlue Press
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 22 July 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 216 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0993046061
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0993046063
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years